Transfer News: Chelsea giving up on Jules Kounde pursuit following high asking price. (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty Images)
It seems like Jules Kounde won’t be coming to Chelsea after all, despite their year-long interest. Personal terms were never going to be a problem given that Kounde has been open to joining Chelsea since last year.
Chelsea’s change in ownership and administration has also seemingly led to a change in the club’s transfer approach, with Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt emerging as the club’s priority defensive target.
However, it is believed that Chelsea had sent representatives to negotiate with Sevilla to find a resolution on the Kounde front. According to Sport Witness via El Chiringuito TV (h/t football.london), both sides discussed for three days, yet an agreement remained elusive.
Sevilla are seeking €60m fixed plus €10m in add-ons, which are figures that Chelsea deem too high. Hence, it seems like the Blues are taking their foot off the gas for the 23-year-old, who is currently recovering from a minor pelvic surgery he had last month.
That puts the Andalusian club in a really precarious position, given that they have financial troubles of their own and a sale for Kounde this summer is essential for them. If Kounde is not sold in this window, that will also leave Sevilla with a player who clearly has his mind set on greener pastures.
Barcelona have been trying to hijack the Kounde deal for a while now, but their financial situation is not any better either, rather worse.
Sevilla’s stance may soften as the days and weeks go by, which may work to Chelsea’s favour and help bring Kounde’s price down. In the meanwhile, Chelsea will be desperate to close deals for Matthijs de Ligt and Raheem Sterling.
Once a couple of arrivals are confirmed, Chelsea may consider picking up where they left off and re-open negotiations with Sevilla.
Towards the tail-end of the transfer window, desperation starts to creep in. Whether it’s going to be Chelsea finally giving in to Sevilla’s demands or the other way around, remains to be seen.
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