Transfer News: Chelsea giving up on Jules Kounde pursuit following high asking price. (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty Images)
According to Spanish outlet AS (h/t The Sun), Chelsea have received a transfer boost as Sevilla are eyeing a potential replacement for Jules Kounde, who could potentially depart this summer. He has been on the English club’s shortlist for quite some time, and they could finally have a chance to secure his services after this season.
The Blues had tried to sign Kounde last summer, and a transfer seemed imminent at that time. However, a late change in stance from Julen Lopetegui’s side caused the move to collapse, much to the defender’s frustration. The Spanish club wanted the £68.5million release clause to be triggered, leading to the failed attempt.
Despite that, Thomas Tuchel’s side and the Frenchman have remained eager to join forces which could happen moving forward. With a move still on the cards, Lopetegui’s team are looking at Galatasaray’s Victor Nelsson to potentially replace Kounde.
Defensive reinforcements should be the priority for the west London side at the end of the current campaign. After all, they are set to lose both Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger for free this summer. What’s more, Cesar Azpilicueta could also leave Stamford Bridge, adding to our concerns.
Potentially losing three central defenders would be the last thing that Thomas Tuchel wants, especially when the defence has been our strong suit. Restructuring the backline would be a difficult task, making this an urgent case. What’s more, we must also consider how Thiago Silva is nearing the end of his playing career at the age of 37.
That leaves us with just young stars like Trevoh Chalobah and Malang Sarr, which is not ideal in any case. Moreover, the three-at-the-back system further highlights the need for at least five quality first-team centre-backs. Sarr has done very little to warrant regular game time while Chalobah has had a strange April where he has struggled for minutes despite featuring prominently earlier this season.
It certainly comes as a boost if Los Nervionenses are in the market for potentially replacing their star Frenchman. It naturally opens up the possibility of Kounde possibly uniting with Chelsea this summer- although there is no confirmation yet regarding that move.
Perhaps, fans would hope that this update gives West Londoners the initiative to push ahead with a move. However, that is not possible with the current sanctions and hence, our first focus should be on bringing in new owners.
Since the 23-year-old himself was interested in joining us last summer, his possible transfer to the Bridge would be a match made in heaven under the current situation. Whether that will happen or not, though, would need to be seen.
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