Boost for Chelsea as PL rival yet to make offer for 23-year-old target playing in Spain

Transfer News: Manchester United’s interest in Chelsea target Jules Kounde has yet to become a real deal

According to Diario de Sevilla (h/t Daily Star), Manchester United are yet to submit an offer for Chelsea target Jules Kounde from Sevilla. 

Jules Kounde has made 22 appearances across all competitions for Sevilla this season. The 23-year-old is already a key player for the Spanish side and made his France debut in June this year. The French star’s consistent and effective performances have recently attracted interest. 

Chelsea have been linked with Kounde for a while. The French star was close to moving to Stamford Bridge in the summer. But, the Bluess board couldn’t meet the high asking price set by Sevilla, and eventually, the deal never materialized. Thomas Tuchel’s team continues to keep a tab on the defender as we approach the winter transfer window.

But, the added interest from Manchester United intensified the competition. Now, it is believed that the Red Devils’ intentions to lure the young defender is yet to translate into ‘any real offer.’ 

The Red Devils had endured some fitness issues with Raphael Varane this season while Harry Maguire has failed to impress on a consistent basis. Even if United have no urgent need for a central defender, it is hard to argue if they show interest in Kounde considering he is young and could be a solid addition with the long-term picture in mind.

But our situation is a bit different. We are not in a comfortable position regarding contract renewals for several defenders. Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rüdiger, Thiago Silva and César Azpilicueta will be out of contract in the summer. However, Marina Granovskaia’s board hasn’t been able to bind any of them to a new contract as of now. Therefore, there is uncertainty over the future of the defenders. 

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Jules Kounde could be the solution to Thomas Tuchel’s potential problems in that regard. The 23-year-old has a long career ahead and could replace contract rebel, Antonio Rudiger, at Chelsea. The recent stance from United provides a significant boost to Chelsea’s intentions of luring the defender. 

But it also serves as a reminder that we should be quick and decisive if we do intend to bring in Kounde. The former Girondins de Bordeaux man would be a fine addition at Stamford Bridge even if we hold onto all our senior defenders because Silva and Azpi aren’t getting any younger, and we did lose Fikayo Tomori and Marc Guehi in the summer.