La Liga defenders at the heart of a Chelsea defensive revolution

Heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge for well over a year, Chelsea could finally get a deal for Jules Kounde over the finishing line during the summer transfer window.

There is no doubt that current club Sevilla will continue to play hardball over the asking price, given the 23-year-old has a contract until June 2024 with a release clause of €80 million, although it now seems the Blues are more willing to meet those demands.

Already capped nine times by his country, the French centre-back appears to be keen on making his big switch to the Premier League, having excelled throughout his time at Sevilla in La Liga.

Since arriving from Bourdeaux in July 2019 for €25 million, Kounde has managed to live up to the outlay Sevilla made at the time, when he became one of the most expensive signing in the Spanish club’s history.

Kounde has made 133 appearances in all competitions with Sevilla over the last three seasons, establishing himself as a key player in the side, helping the club to win the UEFA Europa League title in his debut season.

Likewise, his reliability in defence has contributed to Sevilla consistently finishing amongst the top four in La Liga, having accomplished that target without fail in each of the last three campaigns.

Undoubtedly a vital player in the heart of defence at Sevilla, the same idea is behind Chelsea maintaining their interest and moving with such vigour, now any uncertainty regarding club ownership has been resolved in London.

Although the Roman Abramovic golden era for the Blues is now in the past, the new Clearlake Capital era led by Todd Boehly appears willing to spend big, focused on ensuring Chelsea remain competitive in England and Europe.

Early betting odds ahead of the 2022-23 Premier League campaign are already becoming available, as the leading online bookmakers aim to grab the attention of those who follow English football. Via their most recent guide, SBO aims to cover all the top betting sites UK options, including reviews detailing where the most competitive odds can be found. Important, considering Chelsea are priced anywhere between 13/1 and 20/1 for the Premier League title. 

In addition, there is also a pressing need to bring in defensive reinforcements at Chelsea, given the departure of Antonio Rüdiger to Real Madrid, with Kounde regarded as a direct replacement for the German centre-back. Further additions will also be required, due to Andreas Christensen having agreed terms for a move to Barcelona, who are also interested in luring César Azpilicueta away from Stamford Bridge.

This all makes for what could be an interesting series of movements at Chelsea, between La Liga and the Premier League. As those departing prepare for new adventures in Spanish football, those already plying their trade in Spain are seeking to test their abilities in England, aware that the Premier League is the biggest stage in world football. Aside from the bid to land Kounde from Sevilla, there’s another top defensive target Chelsea are seriously considering.

Despite their humble history and background, Villarreal has achieved wonders over the last couple of decades, especially in recent seasons. Fans of the ‘Yellow Submarine’ have every right to be proud of what their club has accomplished, winning the UEFA Europa League in 2021, before a fascinating run to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals in 2022. It’s quite remarkable for a club that only cemented its top flight status in the last two decades.

Currently one of the stars in the Villarreal side is defender Pau Torres. Capped 17 times by Spain, the 25-year-old has matured into an exceptional and reliable centre-back, having originally emerged as a product of the youth system at his current club.

The progress of Pau Torres was aided by a season on loan at Malaga in 2018-19, before locking his place down in the Villarreal team from the 2019-20 season onwards.

Season after season in the Villarreal first team, Pau Torres has earned widespread praise. Having now made 134 appearances and scored 11 goals for Villarreal, they are increasingly resigned to losing one of their most consistent players, although they won’t let him leave on the cheap, while Chelsea are also expected to face stiff competition.

Manchester United are believed to have Pau Torres listed as one of their top summer targets, apparently willing to match the €65 release clause valuation at his current club.

Should they land both Jules Kounde and Pau Torres, the new Chelsea ownership will be making a serious and genuine statement of their intentions, keen to replace outgoing stars with the best options available in the transfer market.

But as always, the only true confirmation of their arrival is when either or both don the famous blue shirt, once officially announced by the club itself.