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Chelsea have submitted a €50 million bid for Sevilla defender Jules Kounde in recent days, according to reports in Spain.
The 23-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge for over a year, and could finally be granted his wish.
According to Spanish news outlet Marca, Chelsea have already submitted an offer for the defender.
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The offer was made ‘in recent days’ and said to be worth €50 million, €15 million below Sevilla’s valuation for the defender.
Chelsea look likely to secure the signing at some point in the summer transfer window, with both Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger departing the club.
Rudiger was officially confirmed as a Real Madrid player, joining on a free, while Christensen has been named on Chelsea’s released list.
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Therefore, two defenders are likely to join the Blues to replace the pair, with other names being circulated.
Last summer saw the Blues fail in negotiations for Kounde, but the Sevilla CEO has since given an insight into their pursuit of the La Liga defender.
Speaking on Kounde, Jose Maria Cruz said: “Again, the player, I am sure, respects Sevilla FC. He is happy with us. In the case of Kounde, it is not a matter of money. It’s a matter of him wanting to play in a more competitive team than Sevilla FC.
“I am sure he is a player that is attractive for teams like Chelsea, FC Barcelona, Bayern Munich and these types of teams. He wants to play in a more competitive team.”
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This admission will have handed Chelsea a boost, as it looks certain that the defender will depart in the summer as he looks for an improved quality of football, challenging for trophies.
However, Marca continue to report that Sevilla are in no rush to sell this summer, having already seen Diego Carlos depart for Aston Villa.
If Chelsea wish to sign Carlos’ partner, they will have to meet the valuation put in place by the La Liga side, significantly lower than the €80 million release clause in Kounde’s contract.
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As well as the Frenchman, Chelsea are believed to have made an enquiry for Inter Milan centre-back Milan Skriniar, but both clubs are ‘some distance apart’ in their respective valuations for the 27-year-old while Leicester City’s Wesley Fofana is also believed to be a target for the Blues.
It remains to be seen as to who will join Tuchel’s Chelsea rebuild this summer, but defenders are sure to come in, with Kounde looking likely after the initial bid by Chelsea.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Jules Kounde, Sevilla, Football
Nick Emms