“Tuchel wants him, Price tag €65m” – Fabrizio Romano confirms 23-year-old is a ‘priority’ for Chelsea this summer
Chelsea have made the signing of Sevilla defender Jules Kounde a priority, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The La Liga star’s release clause is now set at €80 million, but the Blues may have him for roughly €65 million.
Prior to the 2022-23 season, Thomas Tuchel’s squad is in desperate need of defensive reinforcements. Antonio Rudiger has already left the club for Real Madrid, while Andreas Christensen is close to joining Barcelona on a free transfer (via Fabrizio Romano).
Chelsea may struggle to compete on all fronts next season without two of their first-team centre-backs. The Pensioners must find a method to bring in a tried and tested centre-back during the summer transfer window to get out of this predicament.
According to Romano, the London side have set their sights on Sevilla defender Jules Kounde — a player Thomas Tuchel “wants” in his ranks.
The French defender has already had talks with the club, but Sevilla are yet to receive an opening bid from the two-time Champions League winners. Giving a rundown of the situation, the transfers expert tweeted:
“Jules Koundé deal, still priority for Chelsea. Tuchel wants him. Talks are well advanced on player side, while Sevilla are still waiting to receive the opening bid for the French centre back.””Price tag will be around €65m, less than €80m release clause.”
Kounde, whose contract expires in 2024, featured in 44 games across competitions for Sevilla in the 2021-22 season, recording three goals and an assist.
The 23-year-old has also represented the French national team nine times in his career.