Chelsea get UCL boost in pursuit of young French star but could have to pay more than £50m

Transfer News: Chelsea handed Champions League boost over Spurs in Jules Kounde pursuit

According to a report by Spanish outlet Diario AS (h/t The Daily Mail), Chelsea transfer target Jules Kounde is likely to stay at Sevilla unless a bid in excess of £50million is made.

Apart from Chelsea, Premier League clubs Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, and Manchester City have been credited with an interest. Spanish giants Real Madrid are also one of the clubs mentioned as a potential suitor. (h/t The Daily Mail)

The report claims that no serious offer for Kounde has been made since the Citizens bid £50million for him last year. And it is thought that Sevilla would not entertain bids lower than that this summer as well.

Spurs approached Kounde, but the French defender himself rebuffed it. He wants Champions League football as well as a team that can realistically challenge for domestic titles. (h/t The Daily Mail)

Kounde likely to stay in Seville

At the age of just 22, Kounde is a regular starter at the Andalusian side and even represented his country at the Euros this summer. The Blues have a number of defenders in the squad but Kounde would further future-proof their defence.

And the club also boasts of Champions League football for next season.

Though we needed a helping hand on the final day of the league season to make it to the top four, the Blues won the Champions League to seal the berth for next season.

Thomas Tuchel’s men won the coveted title earlier in May after beating Pep Guardiola’s side 1-0.

More Chelsea News:

• Transfer News: Chelsea agree to sell Marc Guehi as Crystal Palace offer is accepted
• Chelsea submit bid for Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde
• Transfer News: West Ham hoping to use Felipe Anderson money to tie down Chelsea target Declan Rice

With Thiago Silva turning 37 and Chelsea playing a back-5 under Tuchel, the club’s need for quality centre-backs in the near future can increase. In such an instance, Kounde could be the man to be a long-term fixture in their line-up.