Chelsea have still not reached an agreement for Sevilla defender Jules Kounde despite negotiating for three days with the La Liga side, it has been reported.
The 23-year-old looks set to depart Sevilla this summer, with Chelsea holding long-term interest over him.
The most recent reports have stated that Sevilla have set a deadline to those interested in Kounde.
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After the departures of Antonio Rudiger to Real Madrid on a free transfer, and Andreas Christensen potentially joining Barcelona, Chelsea have been left with gaps to fill in defence.
There have been several links to defensive reinforcements this summer, with Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt the latest name to be linked.
The Dutch defender has moved ahead of Kounde in the list of priorities for Chelsea this summer, it was reported.
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De Ligt is also said to be keen on a move to Stamford Bridge, with Thomas Tuchel being a huge factor in his decision.
The Blues are keen to bring in an additional reinforcement in defence, along with De Ligt, if he is to arrive in the summer.
And now, it appears that their interest in Kounde has not died down completely.
As reported by Spanish outlet El Chiringuito TV, Chelsea have been in Seville for three days to negotiate for Kounde.
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No agreement had been reached despite the negotiations as Sevilla are said to be sticking to their asking price.
The La Liga side are demanding Є60 million and Є10 million in add-ons.
However, the Blues are not willing to meet that fee as they returned to London unsuccessful in their pursuit.
It had previously been reported that the French international was seen as a ‘club target’ rather than that of Tuchel, who has now been handed control in the transfer window.
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It appears that the German could still look to pursue the defender, who has been tracked for years now.
Tuchel admitted that he was looking to conclude a deal last summer, with it falling through late on.
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.”
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The German is looking to rebuild his side this summer, with both defensive and attacking reinforcements needed as the Blues look to compete at the top of the Premier League once more.
It remains to be seen as to whether Kounde will end up as a Chelsea player this summer.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Jules Kounde, Sevilla, Transfers, Football, Premier League
Nick Emms