Chelsea put plans for 22-year-old defensive target on the back burner for now – report

Transfer News: Chelsea shelve Jules Kounde deal for time being

According to transfer news from Sport (h/t Mirror), Chelsea have put a hold on the deal for Jules Kounde for the time being. The Blues are focusing on a deal for Romelu Lukaku and want to get that over the line before they probably return for any other deal. Chelsea are also said to be having some doubts over a deal for Kounde.

Chelsea have been relatively quiet in the transfer market this season. Not one outfield player has been signed as of now with the window set to close at the end of the month. More pressing is the fact that the league starts next week itself. However, the pace seems to have picked up with Chelsea looking at a few potential names.

Jules Kounde is said to be a name Chelsea are keen on with Tuchel looking to bolster the backline. However, any plans for that deal will have to be kept in the back pocket for the time being. Chelsea are said to be keen on pushing through a deal for Lukaku and are putting all of their efforts into that (h/t Mirror).

That has actually put a deal for Kounde up in the air. Chelsea are now said to be having doubts over the 22-year-old Sevilla defender. There is also the issue with Kurt Zouma as the Blues are finding it difficult to offload him. A move for Kounde hinges on whether the 26-year-old can be sold or not. (h/t Mirror).

More Chelsea News

• Transfer News: AC Milan to hold talks with Chelsea for Tiemoue Bakayoko
• Chelsea to sign Jules Kounde regardless of Kurt Zouma being sold or not
• Transfer News: Chelsea willing to offer cash plus Timo Werner for Juventus star Matthijs de Ligt

Ideally, Chelsea need to get both Kounde and Lukaku. As of now, the Blues seem to be concentrating only on Lukaku. While that’s not bad per se but they will need to return for the Frenchman as the defence could use a fresh face and younger legs.