“I know he’s a player Chelsea wants to sign” – Club president finally confirms Chelsea top target wants to leave
José Mara Cruz de Andrés, the president of Sevilla, has revealed that defender Jules Kounde wants to leave the Spanish club, despite Chelsea’s interest.
Last summer, the Spanish club’s general director acknowledged that they turned down an approach from the west London club for the French international. Last summer, the Blues came close to signing the 23-year-old but were unable to complete the deal.
José Mara Cruz de Andrés has now spoken up about Kounde’s unsuccessful maneuver, admitting that they were after more money. He also stated that Kounde is interested in leaving the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium.
Andrés has also stated that the prized defender is looking forward to playing for a squad that is more competitive than Sevilla. He explained to Sport Witness:
“Again, the player, I am sure, respects Sevilla FC. He is happy with us. In the case of Koundé, it is not a matter of money. It’s a matter of him wanting to play in a more competitive team than Sevilla FC.”
Andrés has namedropped Chelsea as well as Barcelona and Bayern Munich as admirers of the French defender. He added:
“I am sure he is a player that is attractive for teams like Chelsea, FC Barcelona, Bayern Munich and these types of teams. He wants to play in a more competitive team.”
Chelsea are in dire need of bolstering their backline as they are set to lose several key defenders this summer. Both Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen are set to depart on free transfers while skipper Cesar Azpilicueta could also be on the move.
As per The Evening Standard, Kounde is in advanced talks with the blues over a summer switch to Stamford Bridge.