Transfer News: Real Madrid preparing a swap deal for Chelsea target Jules Kounde
According to El Nacional (h/t Mirror), Real Madrid want to offer a player plus cash deal to Sevilla for the signature of Chelsea target Jules Kounde.
The youngster has been one of Europe’s hottest young centre backs and has seen his reputation soar in recent times. The French defender’s consistency has seen him garner much attention from some of Europe’s top sides
The 23-year-old has made 21 appearances across all competitions this season and has been an ever-present for Sevilla at the back. Julen Lopetegui’s side are currently second in La Liga.
Chelsea have been avid fans of the young centre back. The Blues even went close to signing him in the summer but eventually, transfer talks between both clubs reached a dead end. However, it seems Marina Granovskaia’s board have rejuvenated their interest in the 23-year-old.
Spanish giants Real Madrid could become the latest barrier for Thomas Tuchel’s team in securing the transfer. Los Blancos are preparing an offer including Marcos Asensio and £34m for the former Bordeaux player. Whether Sevilla accepts such a proposal for a player that they have valued at £60m remains to be seen.
An infusion of centre-backs is something that could be on the cards at Chelsea next summer. The quarter of Antonio Rudiger, Thiago Silva, Andreas Christensen and César Azpilicueta will see their contracts expire at the end of the season and could walk away for free if an extension isn’t signed. It is imperative that we account for the losses in defence when we get to it.
Kounde has been consistently giving solid performances in Spanish League. Even though he is yet to get the best defender tag, he could become a long term replacement for Rudiger in the backline. With Azpilicueta ageing, Blues will need a leader in the back, and Kounde could fill up that space in the future.
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But Sevilla wouldn’t sell one of their key players without a fight, and Real’s interest only intensifies the transfer battle. But in the summer, Julen Lopetegui’s team can lower their guard, which will be the ideal time for Marina Granovskaia’s board to go all out for Kounde.
