Chelsea are closing in on the transfer of Jules Kounde in a deal worth €50 million plus add-ons, according to reports.
Kounde was very close to making the switch to Stamford Bridge last summer from the La Liga side, but a move failed to materialise and he stayed at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium last season.
Despite previously failing to sign him, Chelsea once again had the Frenchman high on their list of targets for the transfer window, and a move is now thought to be close to completion.
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Barcelona have also been showing heavy interest in the 23-year-old, therefore ensuring a transfer battle against the Blues once again this summer.
However, according to Gianluca Di Marzio, negotiations between Chelsea and Sevilla for Kounde are thought to be close completion.
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The Blues are set to sign the defender in a deal worth around €50 million plus add-ons, and he will become their second defensive addition of the summer after Kalidou Koulibaly’s arrival from Napoli last week.
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‘Quick’ talks took place in the last few days, and Thomas Tuchel’s side are now set to beat Barcelona to the French international.
Such news comes after previous reports revealed that the west London outfit were in advanced negotiations with Sevilla for the defender, and a move to Chelsea was becoming increasingly likely.
Although Chelsea progressed in their talks for Kounde, FootMercato reported that Barcelona have asked the 23-year-old to ‘refuse’ any other offers that came in for him, but his current club are growing impatient with the fellow La Liga side.
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It is now looking likely that Kounde will be wearing royal blue next season, and he will be the club’s third signing of the summer so far.
He will join Koulibaly as one of their new defensive additions, after the Senegal international completed his £34 million move last week.
The 31-year-old spoke on his delight at joining the side, having been a long-term target for them throughout previous summer windows.
He said: "I am really excited to be here. I was looking forward to being with the team.
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"I was in London three days ago. I was excited to be in this city, to play for this club.
"I want to thank the staff, the coach who wanted me, the boss.
"Everybody was really nice with me. I feel home."
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Koulibaly is unlikely to play in their friendly against Charlotte FC on Thursday morning (UK), but Raheem Sterling is expected to feature in their second game of pre-season.
Topics: Jules Kounde, Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours
Robert Calcutt