Jules Kounde’s representatives are reportedly growing frustrated with Chelsea’s negotiation tactics this summer.
The 23-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge as Sevilla look increasingly ready to sell the French international.
The latest reports stated that the Blues remain in ‘active negotiations’ for Kounde as they look to conclude a deal for the defender.
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Last summer saw Thomas Tuchel’s side miss out on Kounde, with the head coach confirming their interest.
He said: 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.
"So there's a lot of competition now going on and it's my job to be a good moderator."
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And now, 90min have reported that Kounde’s representatives are growing frustrated with the current negotiation situation.
The representatives of the French star have warned Chelsea that the Blues must start ‘making more of an effort’ to get his signature, with talks ‘dragging on’.
Furthermore, the report states that Chelsea have been looking to strike a deal closer to £50 million, rather than paying his release clause.
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Kounde’s party are ‘less than impressed’ with the reluctance of Chelsea to increase their bid so far this summer.
Both Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen have departed the club, with the German being officially unveiled as a Real Madrid player.
Christensen looks set to seal a move to Barcelona, leaving Chelsea with Cesar Azpilicueta, Thiago Silva, Malang Sarr and Trevoh Chalobah as the only senior first team central defenders available for next season.
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Sevilla chief José María Cruz admitted earlier this month that Kounde wants to play in a more competitive team.
He 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.
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"He wants to play in a more competitive team.”
Therefore, Chelsea should have confidence in their pursuit of Kounde despite their long negotiations.
Barcelona could provide competition for Tuchel's men, however, if they don't act quickly.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Transfers, Jules Kounde, Sevilla, Football
Nick Emms