Transfer News: Chelsea submit first formal offer to Sevilla for Jules Kounde. (Photo by CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP via Getty Images)
According to Spanish publication Marca via Sport Bible (h/t football.london), Chelsea have submitted a formal opening bid to Sevilla for priority transfer target Jules Kounde.
The Frenchman has been on Chelsea’s radar since last summer, who has been keen on a move to Stamford Bridge ever since. Personal terms were as good as agreed, but Sevilla have held firm regarding their valuation for the defender.
Kounde has a €80 million release clause in his contract, which Sevilla wanted to be paid in full last year. That turned out to be a stumbling block and the move collapsed.
This year, however, a deal can be reportedly struck in the region of €65m – significantly lower than Kounde’s release clause, owing to Sevilla’s financial difficulties. Chelsea have submitted a formal opening bid in the region of €50m.
Following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, it’s safe to say that Chelsea are shy of defensive personnel to build a title-winning defence. Much work needs to be done to bolster the depleted centre-back roster and signing Kounde would be a good start.
The Blues are linked with Inter Milan’s Milan Skriniar as well, but Kounde remains the top priority and securing the deal is Chelsea’s first order of business this window. Signing him will also give Thomas Tuchel the chance to integrate Kounde into his pre-season plans.
Chelsea are likely to push for Skriniar next after acquiring Kounde. They are also closing in on a deal for promising teenage USMNT goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina.
Several departures are expected as well. Kepa Arrizabalaga is linked with a move away that will see him get more playing-time, while the club is also prepared to listen to offers for Hakim Ziyech, Chritstian Pulisic and Timo Werner.
Kounde is currently on national duty with France in the Nations League and Chelsea will be hoping to get the deal over the line as soon as possible. If the defender puts on starring displays, his stock and valuation is only going to rise.
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