Chelsea are said to still be interested in signing Sevilla defender Jules Kounde this summer.
The centre-back has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in each of the last two transfer windows, though the West London club refused to meet Sevilla’s valuation last summer as they ended the transfer window without a defensive addition.
That decision worked out ok following the emergence of Trevoh Chalobah, though Chelsea are once again in need of defensive reinforcements in the upcoming transfer window.
Antonio Rudiger has already announced his decision to leave, with the German having reportedly agreed to join Real Madrid, while Andreas Christensen is thought to have an agreement to join Barcelona.
Cesar Azpilicueta has triggered a one year contract extension, though the Chelsea captain could also still leave after also drawing attention from Barcelona, leaving the Blues in need of a number of defensive additions.
According to Italian transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Jules Kounde remains an option for Chelsea with Thomas Tuchel said to be a ‘big fan’ of the Frenchman, though he is one of three or four options.
Romano says that Sevilla will still demand that the €80 million (£67m) release clause in the France international’s contract is met.
Chelsea are currently operating under a special license following the sanctions placed upon current owner Roman Abramovich, and it remains to be seen what finances any new owners will make available.
It is expected that Todd Boehly’s consortium will be named as the preferred bidder this week, with the club looking to have their new owner in place by the end of the month.
