Chelsea agree deal for long-term centre-back target

Transfer News: Chelsea reach an agreement with Sevilla for Jules Kounde

According to Simon Philipps (via Melissa Reddy) (h/t Football.London), Chelsea have reached an agreement on a deal to sign Jules Kounde from Sevilla with the Spanish club keen on finalising a deal before June 30 to help balance the books.

Jules Kounde is one of the biggest defensive prospects in world football at the moment with many clubs in Europe fighting for his signature. The former Bordeaux man joined Sevilla in 2019 and has since then gone on to grow from strength to strength.

This season has been no different for the French centre-back as he led his team to a fourth-place finish in the Spanish top flight. The 23-year-old played 44 times for Julen Lopetegui’s side this season, scoring three goals and providing one assist across all competitions.

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.

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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.