€80m-rated Rudiger replacement edges closer to become the first signing of Boehly era at Chelsea
Chelsea are keeping an eye on Jules Kounde as they prepare for a summer spending spree once their takeover is completed.
Chelsea has been unable to renew contracts, sign or sell players, among other things, due to sanctions imposed on Roman Abramovich following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
As a result, both Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger will be allowed to leave on free transfers, leaving the Blues with work to do in the summer market.
Filling the voids left by those two will be a major task during the transfer season, but Chelsea are eager to address their problems as soon as possible to give head coach Thomas Tuhel time to work with any new acquisitions.
However, The impending arrival of Todd Boehly’s group as new owners, following their successful bid to buy the club, is expected to lead to a slight turnover in the Chelsea squad, with investment into facilities and transfers expected to occur.
Central midfield remains a position of high concern, while central defensive options need bolstering with the aforementioned exits of Christensen and Rudiger.
According to multiple reports, the first target in the backline is Sevilla defender Jules Kounde. The France international was close to a move to Stamford Bridge last summer, but a move fell through despite personal terms being agreed.
Sevilla reportedly upped their asking price at the last minute, which discouraged Chelsea from going through with the deal. However, the Blues remain interested one year on, and are said to want a deal for Kounde the first of the Boehly era.
Dean Jones, via Give Me Sport, has reported that Chelsea are pursuing an early deal for Kounde to put the sanctions placed on the club behind them.
Those within the Blues set-up reportedly expect a deal to be officially completed shortly after Boehly’s consortium arrives as owners. It’s understood that personal terms won’t be a problem due to the agreement made last summer, but it remains to be seen if Chelsea will activate his €80 million (£68.2m) release clause or try to negotiate a lower fee.