£55 million asking price set as Chelsea winning race to sign Brilliant Thiago Silva replacement
According to reports, Chelsea have moved ahead of Manchester United in the race to sign Sevilla ace Jules Kounde.
Chelsea are one of the clubs that are expected to challenge for big titles next season, and adding to the squad over the transfer window is something that Thomas Tuchel knows he must do.
That has led to alot of reports in the media over the past few months that Chelsea are ready to battle the likes of Real Madrid and United to try and secure a transfer deal for Kounde.
Kounde is easily regarded as one of the finest young central defenders in the game right now and all the big clubs have been keeping a very close eye on his performances over the past 12-18 months
Thomas Tuchel is eager to land a new central defender this summer with Thiago Silva turning 37 in September, and Kounde remains top of his shortlist and ABC Sevilla write how the Blues have made their move.
However, Sevilla won’t let their key asset leave on the cheap having slapped a £55million price-tag on his head.
Amid all the speculation, Kounde has recently opened the door to a potential move to one of the chasing clubs. and the 22-year-old, who is rumoured to cost around €70 million (£60m/$85m), hopes to join a team capable of competing for major trophies.
“I may have to change clubs this summer. I have not decided anything,” the France international said.
“My goal is, one day, to evolve into a great club to always try to progress, win trophies. To be able to start the season each year by telling yourself that the goal is win a particular trophy. I might have to move, but that’s not relevant today.”
On when he noticed he was becoming a major prospect, Kounde added: “I would say that perhaps when I arrived at Sevilla and started playing more and more, also with the arrival of the Champions League. It has always been something in my head. I have always believed in it, I have always worked for it. To have it.
“That objective in the sights meant that I was able to have the performances I did at Sevilla. Also thanks to this club that helped me a lot and my team-mates who always pushed me.”