Chelsea target Jules Kounde.
The latest development in the Jules Kounde saga is not a happy one for Chelsea, as the Sevilla defender is now set to undergo surgery for a long-term injury.
Kounde is currently on national duty with France in the Nation’s League and featured for Les Bleus in their 1-0 home defeat to Croatia last night. However, the 23-year-old was subbed off only at half-time and France head coach Didier Deschamps has clarified that it was “not a tactical decision”.
The France boss revealed that Kounde has been dealing with a problem for several months now but the defender opted to postpone surgery until after France’s latest round of fixtures. Speaking on his decision to sub Kounde off, Deschamps said,
“I knew very well his physical condition today. Tomorrow [Tuesday] he will have a [surgical] intervention because he has a problem that has been going on for several months.”
The nature or extent of the injury wasn’t mentioned but the latest update is sure to cause some concern at Chelsea, who have Kounde lined up as their priority signing.
The Frenchman has been linked with the West London club for over a year now, with the only obstacle turning out to be Sevilla’s valuation of their prized asset.
The La Liga side have been strict about Kounde’s release clause of €80million, but reports suggest that a fee in the region of €65m can be agreed given Sevilla’s financial situation.
However, Kounde’s latest injury scare is expected to provide some leverage to Chelsea in these negotiations, who can make a point of Kounde’s price being a little lower now owing to his latest diagnosis, to the Seville-based club.
A lot is going to rest on the outcome of Kounde’s surgery which is scheduled for today. Based on his recovery period, both Chelsea and Sevilla can assess the situation. If it’s a minor knock which will keep Kounde out for a few weeks, then Sevilla’s valuation is not likely to change. However, if Kounde is out for a few months, Chelsea will factor that into their revised offer.
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