Chelsea are close to wrapping up a deal for Sevilla and France defender Jules Kounde.
For those who do not know, Chelsea have been linked with a move for Sevilla stopper Jules Kounde for some time now.
The links to the Frenchman emerged back in July of 2021, which is also when personal terms are understood to have been agreed between the parties.
However, no deal was ultimately forthcoming during that summer, with reports late in August of 2021 hinting that Sevilla demanded more cash than Chelsea were willing to pay.
With the 2022 summer window in full swing, though, Chelsea’s links to Kounde have now returned and a deal does finally look set to be agreed a year on.
According to the Evening Standard, Chelsea are edging closer to the signing of Jules Kounde after a day of talks with the La Liga outfit.
Chelsea are aiming to steal a march on FC Barcelona, who remain big players in the race for the France international.
In terms of a fee for Kounde, it is understood that Chelsea have long had personal terms agreed, but remain in talks over a fee of around £51m:
Chelsea are closing in on a £51m deal for Jules Kounde after a day of talks with Sevilla.
✍️ @NizaarKinsellahttps://t.co/iBhfNp4Vln
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) July 20, 2022
Kounde will be Chelsea’s second centre-back signing of the summer window following the capture of Kalidou Koulibaly and would go some way to replacing Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger.
However, with Thiago Silva likely in his final season at the club and Cesar Azpilicueta potentially heading for the exit door, another stopper, possibly PSG’s Presnel Kimpembe, may be brought in before the window shuts in August.
