Sevilla are awaiting Chelsea’s new internal structure before continuing with negotiations for Jules Kounde, according to reports in Spain.
The 23-year-old has been heavily linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge for the past few transfer windows, being identified as a target last summer under Thomas Tuchel.
The head coach confirmed Chelsea's interest as they managed to bring in Saul Niguez on deadline day last year.
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He said: “It was clear we tried for Kounde and Saul and it was very, very late but it was a very, very smooth transfer window because I had full concentration on training and on my team.
"The amount of support of Petr Cech as a link, and together with Marina (Granovskaia), was fantastic, so it was pretty relaxed with a good outcome because in the end it was possible to add Saul into the group, which was a key position for us to have more alternatives and to not put all the pressure on the three guys' shoulders."
Chelsea were thought to be back in for Kounde this summer, with both Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen departing the club, while Cesar Azpilicueta is heavily linked with a move to Barcelona.
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However, the most recent reports have stated that Kounde’s camp are getting frustrated with the lack of effort made by Chelsea to sign the French international this summer, after a verbal agreement has been reached with the player.
It has now been revealed by Spanish news outlet Marca that the player, and his side Sevilla, are waiting for Chelsea’s new internal structure do be decided before talks continue.
This comes as the departure of Bruce Buck as Chairman at the end of June was confirmed.
The American will step down on 30 June, while Todd Boehly prepares his new-look Chelsea board.
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Marina Granovskaia is also set to leave before the end of the transfer window, and could come as early as this week.
Tuchel is set to be handed more control in the transfer window, having the final say on both incomings and outgoings as he looks to build his squad.
Therefore, Marca report that in Chelsea’s pursuit for Kounde, the only detail Sevilla know ‘first-hand’ is ‘the agreement for five seasons between Kounde and Chelsea.
Furthermore, they are just waiting for London club to finish completing their new internal organisation to sit down and lay the foundations for a transfer that will exceed €60 million.
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It remains unclear as to whether Kounde will be the main target for the Blues at the back this season, with Tuchel's side looking to replace at least two of their outgoing defenders this window.
Reinforcements are likely to be brought in in the forward areas as the new Chelsea owners' hope to compete for the Premier League title during their first season in charge at Stamford Bridge.
Manchester City and Liverpool will take some catching, however, with both clubs already strengthening.
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City added Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez as they search for their first European title.
Liverpool, on the other hand, have added Darwin Nunez as they look to compete at the top once more.
Chelsea must act quickly to ensure that they are in a position to bring in their reinforcements this summer.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Jules Kounde, Sevilla, Transfers, Football, Todd Boehly