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Sevilla have set a deadline for Chelsea and Barcelona to make a bid for Jules Kounde as the transfer race for the Frenchman continues, according to reports
Thomas Tuchel is desperate to bolster his backline heading into the new season and the seemingly never-ending transfer saga surrounding Kounde may finally be getting close to its conclusion.
Having failed to complete the move last summer, which left the Frenchman frustrated, the pursuit has continued into this window, with it being reported that Chelsea are set to sign two centre-backs.
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Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt is believed to have become the number one target for the Blues following contract talks with the Old Lady.
Former Chelsea defender Nathan Ake and Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly are other options.
Despite these links, Chelsea still, reportedly, remain in discussions with Kounde even though he is no longer the top priority option for Tuchel in defence.
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Following the departure of Antonio Rudiger to Real Madrid on a free transfer, and the likelihood of Andreas Christensen following him to Spain and joining Barcelona, Chelsea have been left with gaps to fill in defence.
As reported by ABC de Sevilla, Chelsea are ready to ‘return to charge’ for Sevila star Kounde.
The Blues have ‘firm intentions’ and want to get a deal done for the 23-year-old as soon as possible.
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Chelsea have informed Sevilla that they will soon make an offer that is in line with their demands and push the clubs to an agreement.
The player’s agent, Jonathan Kebe, who is claimed to have met with Chelsea earlier this month, has not ruled out the transfer being done before his client returns to pre-season training.
Mundo Deportivo have confirmed that Chelsea will face competition for the signing of Kounde, with Barcelona keen to strike a deal.
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Sevilla are waiting to see who will place the largest bid.
Julen Lopetegui’s side have ‘set a deadline’ for Chelsea or Barcelona to make an offer for Kounde.
The day the players return to pre-season, the 5 July, is when the two clubs will need to have done this by.
According to Mundo Deportivo, after 5 July, Sevilla will raise the asking price to Kounde’s release clause which is €80 million.
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If Chelsea wish to avoid paying that amount, they must submit a bid in the coming days for Kounde that is better than what Barcelona have to offer.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Jules Kounde, Sevilla, Barcelona, Football, Transfers
Sam Collins