Chelsea suffers ‘serious’ Jules Kounde transfer setback after another European giant enter the race
Chelsea’s pursuit of Sevilla defender Jules Kounde is still ongoing.
The Frenchman has been extensively linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in recent months but has yet to complete the move.
This summer could present another opportunity to sign the center-back, particularly considering Thomas Tuchel’s need to strengthen his squad.
Given the impending departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, the defensive ranks are a particular concern moving into the summer transfer window.
It leaves the current first-team group with only three natural center-back options, emphasising the need for new players.
When asked about the difficulty of replacing his backline, the German coach stated: “We had a core in the back three and we even have an issue with Thiago Silva because he’s not Benjamin Button.
“It seems like he is but he’s not and he’s getting older actually. It would have been maybe enough to find a natural replacement for this kind of position and keep everybody else, so suddenly we lose maybe three-and-a-half players in the back, which is concerning and a huge challenge.”
Sevilla are seeking for €55 million (£47 million) to €65 million (£56 million) to let twenty-three-year-old Kounde depart this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano of Barca Times.
However, the article adds that Barcelona has a’serious’ interest in signing the Frenchman this summer.
While this is a setback for the Blues, they are still thought to be in the lead for his signature in the window.
Kounde’s current contract expires in 2024, but his 32 La Liga games have impressed many and won him a regular spot in France’s senior squad.
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Chelsea suffers ‘serious’ Jules Kounde transfer setback after another European giant enter the race
