Chelsea’s interest in Sevilla defender Jules Kounde is said to have ‘cooled’ amid their links with Matthijs de Ligt, according to reports.
Kounde was close to signing for the Blues from the Spanish outfit last summer but despite agreeing personal terms with the west London side, he stayed at Sevilla for the 2021/22 campaign.
Speculation over his move to Chelsea was raised once again ahead of the current transfer window, with a switch to Stamford Bridge seemingly set to happen.
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However recent developments suggest that he may now be on his way to Barcelona this summer, rather than a somewhat destined move to the English capital.
According to Diario SPORT, Sevilla believe that Chelsea have now ‘cooled’ their interest in Kounde, with Thomas Tuchel now keen to sign Juventus centre-back de Ligt.
It is believed that the Blues could look to offer Timo Werner in a player-plus-cash deal for the Dutch defender, who has now spent three seasons in Turin.
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Chelsea are set to focus on strengthening their attack and defence this summer, with de Ligt now emerging as a target.
Rob Draper has also reported that Kounde is now on his way to Barcelona, with new Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly at the centre of the club’s transfer activity this summer.
They want at least six new players this window, something that has been promised to Tuchel as they look to begin their preparations for the new campaign.
Raheem Sterling and Ousmane Dembele have also been linked with moves to Stamford Bridge, and there is a ‘good chance’ that Chelsea will be able to sign both.
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De Ligt has reportedly asked Juventus to leave this summer, with the 22-year-old having a release clause fee of around £100 million.
Talks were held between the Old Lady and the player’s lawyer earlier in the week as his club eye an extension to his current deal.
However it is believed that the meeting ‘exploded’ when de Ligt’s camp asked for his release clause to be lowered as it is ‘too high’, and such a fee could put a ‘brake on potential market opportunities’.
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The likes of Manchester United, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have also been linked with moves for the defender.
Rafaela Pimenta, the agent of the Dutch international, has received a ‘few proposals’ for his client from Premier League sides, with Chelsea said to have the ‘most concrete’ offer.
Topics: Matthijs De Ligt, Jules Kounde, Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Football, Transfers
Robert Calcutt