Finally, Chelsea agree €60m deal with player as Blues close to complete third summer signing
Chelsea and Sevilla are close to agreeing on a price for Jules Koundé, but Barcelona might make a play for the French center-back.
After Kalidou Koulibaly’s arrival from Napoli last week, Thomas Tuchel is concentrating on bolstering his defense and wants additional acquisitions. Koundé has been a goal for Chelsea since last summer, and they hope to acquire him.
However, Tuchel wants to recruit three center-backs.
Chelsea was unable to recruit Nathan Aké from Manchester City, but they have spoken with PSG about Presnel Kimpembe and are keeping an eye on Josko Gvardiol of RB Leipzig. The left-sided center-back position left vacant by Antonio Rüdiger’s move to Real Madrid would be filled by Kimpembe and Gvardiol.
Andreas Christensen’s replacement after the Dane’s departure to Barcelona would be Koundé, a right-sided center-back who is said to have reached a personal agreement with Chelsea.
Koundé, who can also play as a right wing-back or right defender, is thought to be available for €60 million from Sevilla. Chelsea may have to compete with Barça for the France international, after they signed Raphinha from Leeds before Tuchel’s team.
After failing to reach a price agreement with Sevilla last summer, Chelsea lost out on Koundé. It would be possible for Tuchel to permit César Azpilicueta to leave if the 23-year-old transfers to Stamford Bridge. The Chelsea captain is wanted by Barcelona.
The owners of Chelsea want to support Tuchel. In a transaction worth up to £50 million, they bolstered the assault by acquiring Raheem Sterling from City.