Transfer News: Chelsea face competition from Newcastle United for Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde
According to Mundo Deportivo (via @Blue_Footy on Twitter ) (h/t Football.London), Newcastle United are set to rival Chelsea for the signature of long-time transfer target Jules Kounde from Sevilla in the summer.
It’s a well-known fact that the Blues have been long term admirers of the French centre-back and tried to sign him last summer but to no avail. Newcastle United reportedly made a £59m for the talented defender but that bid also met no takers.
Kounde has been one of the best centre-backs in La Liga in the past few seasons and is constantly linked with a move away from the Spanish club. He has continued to impress again this season for Julen Lopetegui’s side forming a formidable centre-back partnership with Diego Carlos.
The 23-year-old has played 43 times for the Spanish club this season scoring three goals and providing one assist during this period. Kounde is versatile and can play at right-back as well but his primary position is undoubtedly in the centre of defence.
Chelsea are tipped to return for the defender in the summer transfer window. But they will not have it easy with Newcastle set to throw their hat into the ring. Given the Magpies’ newfound financial might, it will not be an easy fight.
A necessity?
Chelsea are set to have a defensive exodus in the summer. Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger will leave the club while Marcos Alonso is also tipped to be on his way out. To add to our concerns, skipper Cesar Azpilicueta is also said to be reconsidering his future.
The Blues are amidst a takeover and a new ownership is set to take over at the helm of Stamford Bridge. They have a lot of issues to solve and on top of that list is the defensive crisis that the club finds themselves in. The new owners might be wanting to make a statement signing and Kounde fits the bill.
Chelsea might have the edge over Newcastle when it comes to the sporting aspect. The London based club will be in the Champions League next season and the Blues will be hoping that helps convince the Frenchman to come to Stamford Bridge.
Kounde will not come cheap however and Sevilla are not expected to make this any easier. The defender has a contract with the Spanish club until 2024 and that may tempt the La Liga club to sell him however as they could get maximum value for him this summer.
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Signing Kounde is a no brainer for Chelsea and the Frenchman will improve our defence immeasurably. It remains to be seen if we will finally land him in the summer.