Transfer News: A deal for Jules Kounde could be in jeopardy as he grows restless over Chelsea’s inaction
Sevilla defender Jules Kounde is said to be getting frustrated with the lack of action from Chelsea, according to Spanish outlet AS (h/t football.london). The Frenchman has been a long-standing target for the west London side.
The report says that Kounde is still high up the list of defenders that Thomas Tuchel would like to sign this summer, but the player now is not getting the attention that he would like. The Blues had supposedly agreed to personal terms with the Frenchman last summer, but that was with former sporting director Marina Granovskaia.
With Todd Boehly now acting as the sporting director, fresh negotiations with the club and player are expected. It was understood that Kounde was very close to joining the Blues last summer, but an increase in the valuation of the player by Sevilla meant that Chelsea pulled out.
But it was expected that Chelsea would try to sign him again this summer as Tuchel bolsters his defensive options. Though they have linked with the player, the interest from the London side seems to have cooled down for him, with Tuchel said to be pursuing other targets.
A deal for Nathan Ake is said to be in the talking stage between Chelsea and Manchester City, while the Blues are also involved in a tussle with Bayern Munich for Juventus centre-back Matthijs de Ligt. Kounde, who can play in any position in the back-three and can also play as a right-back, would be a perfect option for Tuchel.
However, with the transfer saga now rumbling for over a year, the 23-year-old centre-back feels like time is running out for any deal to happen. With the pre-season underway, it would be frustrating for everyone involved if no tangible progress is being made over a deal.
Kounde played 32 times in the league last season, scoring 2 goals and getting one assist as he helped the Rojiblancos secure a fourth-place finish in the table and qualify for next season’s Champions League. With Chelsea said to be linked with so many players, it is understandable that he may feel left out.
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With the Blues currently in the States for their pre-season, it will be interesting to see if any new faces join the camp. However, it remains to be seen whether Kounde will be one such face this summer.