Report: Arch-rivals could hand Chelsea the advantage in pursuit of French international

Tottenham Hotspur could aid Chelsea in their pursuit of Jules Kounde

According to the Daily Mail (h/t Daily Star), Tottenham Hotspur could hand Chelsea a major advantage in their pursuit of Sevilla defender Jules Kounde.

The Frenchman is one of the best young defenders in the game and has attracted considerable attention from a number of top clubs. Chelsea appears keen to land him and have already agreed to personal terms. As things stand, it is up to both clubs now to iron out a deal.

Sevilla appear to be preparing for life after the 22-year-old and Spurs could nudge them into just that. The Andalusians are keen on Tottenham ace Davinson Sanchez who has struggled to impress in England. The Colombian is currently in talks with Sevilla over a potential move should Kounde leave this summer. (h/t Daily Star)

Speaking to Caracol Radio (h/t Daily Star), Sanchez’s agent, Nestor Fernando has confirmed that conversations have taken place between the player and Sevilla regarding a potential move. While nothing has been agreed on yet, things could pick up in the coming week.

Tottenham are also in the market for a central defender and were linked with Kounde. The player, however, is seeking to play Champions League football and has no intention to move to the Lane. To add to Spurs’ woes, they could now sanction a move that will see the player they wanted land up at the Bridge.

Tottenham have meanwhile shifted their focus to Atalanta star Cristian Romero. The Argentine’s arrival could very well see Sanchez slip down the pecking order. He has never really justified the once club-record fee Spurs paid for him in 2017 and could do with a fresh start in La Liga.

Chelsea will certainly hope that is the case. With both Thiago Silva and Cesar Azpilicueta well into their thirties, Chelsea needed some fresh faces in defence. And in Kounde, the Blues will be getting one of the best young centre-halves in Europe.

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An imposing presence at the back, Kounde also possesses great ball-playing abilities and ground speed, making him a proper modern-day all-round defender. The 22-year-old would be an excellent addition to the Blues roster.