Chelsea could set their sights on landing Sevilla defender Jules Kounde following the arrival of Romelu Lukaku from Inter Milan on a club-record deal.
The Blues have agreed to pay £98 million for the Belgian striker. He is expected to undergo his medical and complete his transfer soon.
The club are likely to continue their summer signing with a renewed approach for Kounde. They recently failed with a part-exchange move for him.
Sevilla want a fee close to the £61m release clause. It has been reported that a fee of around £51m could persuade them to sanction Kounde’s sale.
Kounde has already agreed personal terms with the west London giants. He previously turned down a move to London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Spurs agreed a deal with the La Liga outfit, but Kounde rejected them due to the lack of Champions League football.
Kounde would be a quality addition to the Blues’ ranks with his strong concentration and ball playing abilities.
He is not the tallest of defenders at 1.78m, but is still good in the air. He won three aerial duels per game last term.
The Blues have also been linked with West Ham United’s Declan Rice, but a deal seems unlikely.
The club could focus on two marquee signings. Kounde looks the priority target after Lukaku.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com and Whoscored.com
Leave a Reply