Sevilla is expecting Chelsea to make an official bid for their defender, Jules Kounde who has requested the club for an exit.
Chelsea has been linked with Sevilla’s Jules Kounde for a long time now. However, the latest updates suggest that there has been a progression in the deal and the Spanish side are expecting an official bid before this window shuts.
The French-born defender started his journey at a local youth club. Many years later, he joined the youth academy of the Ligue-1 side, Bordeaux. It was here that he got his much-needed exposure.
Chelsea Interested in Services of Jules Kounde
Chelsea Looking At Jules Kounde From Sevilla
Five years later, he earned his senior call and debuted for the club’s reserve team. Soon enough he earned his first-team chance and became an important part of the squad. His second season with the French side saw him rack up 51 appearances at the age of 18.
By the time he left them, he had 70 appearances to his name in a span of just two years. Kounde then joined the Spanish side, Sevilla for a fee of €25 million. His importance remained the same here and he was the teams first choice since the day he joined. His contribution was pivotal in Sevilla winning the UEFA Europa League in 2019/20.
Chelsea to Make an Official Bid for Jules Kounde Soon
Jules Kounde Has Asked to Leave For a Bigger Club
The 22-year-old defender has made quite an impact which has made top European clubs interested in him. With many clubs now slowly falling back due to the hefty price tag, it is considered that Chelsea is the only club still optimistic about landing the Frenchman.
The Blues were in the race for the player alongside Manchester United a few weeks ago. United had already pulled out once they found out that his release clause was worth €80 million. Chelsea then turned their attention to sign Romelu Lukaku.
After breaking their club record to re-sign the striker, the Premier League club has reignited their interest in the defender. Although no official bid has been made, Chelsea’s priority now is to land a defender.
What Will it Cost Chelsea to Sign Kounde?
Finance has never been an issue for this club. They have not been shy since their transfer ban has been lifted. A few days ago, they broke the club record by signing Lukaku. And if reports are to be true, they are willing to buy Kounde despite his outrageous release clause.
However, they need to balance their books to play by the rules. Moreover, they need to make some space in the squad for his arrival. Kurt Zouma has been heavily linked with an exit. And the club is looking for potential suitors to sign him. Unless and until his stance isn’t cleared, it is highly unlikely for Chelsea to pursue their target.
Kounde has a release clause of €80 million, which is said to have increased to €90 million in the closing days of the transfer window. However, Chelsea will be hoping that Sevilla is willing to negotiate below the initial release clause.
Chelsea as well as Jules Kounde can benefit a lot from the youngster’s addition. Initially, he could form a great partnership alongside the veteran Thiago Silva. The Brazilian will not be extending his stay at Stamford Bridge after the season ends. So, Kounde can then succeed him and become an important asset for Chelsea.
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