Chelsea have agreed to sign defender from Sevilla, according to Simon Philipps (via Melissa Reddy) (h/t Football.London), with the Spanish club aiming to complete the move by June 30 to help balance the books.
He is one of the most exciting defensive talents in international football right now, with a slew of clubs vying for his services throughout Europe. The former Bordeaux player joined Sevilla in 2019 and has gone from strength to strength since then.
This season, the French centre-back did not disappoint, leading his team to a fourth-place finish in Spain’s premier flight. This season, the 23-year-old has appeared 44 times for Julen Lopetegui’s side, scoring three goals and adding one assist in all competitions.
“Chelsea already have a verbal agreement with Jules Kounde. Sevilla are preferring a quick deal as they aim to balance their books before June 30. There is optimism from all parties it will get done this time.”
– @MelissaReddy_ https://t.co/909kBHnp5d pic.twitter.com/KpuNEWL9N5
— Simon Phillips (@siphillipssport) May 31, 2022
Chelsea have been long-term admirers of the talented Frenchman with the Blues pursuing a deal in vain for the centre-back last summer. However, they appear to have now agreed on a deal for the player, with the Spanish club wanting to be done with it as soon as possible.
Target locked?
Chelsea have been desperate to sign Kounde for some time now and the Blues appear closer than ever to landing their man. He is the ideal player to be brought in this summer as Thomas TYuchel plans a revamp.
The Blues have a defensive pickle on their hands with Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger set to leave the club on free transfers. Skipper Cesar Azpilicueta is also contemplating an exit from the Bridge and this will leave the Blues extremely understaffed in central defence.
Kounde will be an exceptional signing who can replace Rudiger and the role he used to play in Tuchel’s system. The 23-year-old can also play at right-back which is an added advantage for the German tactician when he wants flexibility.
With the talent he possesses, it might not take long for Kounde to adapt to the Premier League but even if it does take some time, it will definitely be worth it. The Stamford Bridge faithful will have to be patient with the Frenchman and give him time to settle in.
If Chelsea indeed manages to get a deal past the line for Kounde, it will be an exceptional signing and is a good move for the new owners to mark their arrival at Stamford Bridge.