Transfer News: Chelsea target Jules Kounde would be allowed to leave says Sevilla director
While speaking in an interview with Sport Witness as quoted by Football.London, Sevilla director Jose Maria Cruz de Andres has stated that centre-back Jules Kounde could leave this summer, with Chelsea rumoured to be interested.
The Blues felt they had a deal in place for Kounde last summer, only for the agreement to go through due to a late change in the asking price, but they continue to maintain interest.
Chelsea are free to seek new recruits again now that Todd Boehly is officially in charge at Stamford Bridge, and it is expected that Kounde will be one of, if not the first, names through the door.
Chelsea are long-time fans of the 23-year-old, with sources claiming that the Blues saw their £42.5 million offer rejected by Sevilla. Despite the fact that the English club has yet to meet Sevilla’s asking price, one of the club’s executives has suggested that a deal might be struck in the coming weeks.
“The case with Jules Koundé is very similar to the case of Diego Carlos. Not in the timing because we received offers for Jules Koundé in the last two seasons but always in the summer market.
The Sevilla director also revealed why the player wasn’t allowed to be transferred in the previous transfer windows. Perhaps that approach could work in their favour given the defensive crisis that could unfold at the Bridge this summer.
“We have rejected because we thought that this player can improve his performance. It was better to wait because the market at the time was depressing. We thought that waiting a while would [help us] obtain more money.”
Jose also explained that the French defender wants to feature for a more competitive side, eventually putting weight on the possibility of a Chelsea transfer.
“I am sure he is a player that is attractive for teams like Chelsea, FC Barcelona, Bayern Munich and these types of teams. He wants to play in a more competitive team.”
Chelsea’s defensive stability was a trademark of Tuchel’s early success, but they developed a habit of conceding goals in the second half of last season. On top of that, the confirmed departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen have left the Blues short on numbers.
Chelsea have landed itself in hot water, and the problem is only growing worse by the day. The defence is anticipated to take the largest damage, as several key players could have to be replaced in the near future.
Thiago Silva, for example, cannot play forever given his age. Cesar Azpilicueta’s future, meanwhile, remains up in the air while his age is also not helping our case.
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Jules Kounde has been a steady performer for the whole season and is still a very good centre-back. Despite his young age, the 23-year-old can make an immediate impact at Chelsea, having played a significant amount of football in Spain’s top flight.
Chelsea may not be able to rebuild with only one signing, but it is a start. They should wrap off their business with Sevilla as quickly as possible so that they may concentrate on other transfer targets.