Jules Kounde ‘should’ become the first signing of Chelsea’s new era as the club continue to hold talks with Sevilla over a deal for the defender.
Attentions have turned to Chelsea’s summer transfer business following the takeover by Todd Boehly at Stamford Bridge, with Kounde having been a long-term target for the west Londoners.
Defensive additions are needed with Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger departing on free transfers, whilst the future of Cesar Azpilicueta is also uncertain.
Chelsea came close to signing Kounde last summer and The Athletic are reporting that personal terms have been agreed with the centre-back since those initial discussions, which broke down after Sevilla raised their asking price.
Sevilla have agreed a deal to sell fellow centre-back Diego Carlos to Aston Villa for £26m, though that deal will not complicate Kounde’s proposed move to Chelsea.
The La Liga side are hopeful of securing a fee in excess of £50m, which will take a significant portion of Thomas Tuchel’s summer budget.
Outgoings could increase Chelsea’s funds with Kepa Arrizabalaga and Marcos Alonso interesting Newcastle and Barcelona respectively, whilst Tuchel will also provide chances to loanees such as Levi Colwill, Conor Gallagher and Armando Broja as he looks to refresh his squad.
Broja is understood to be on West Ham’s list of transfer targets after an impressive season at Southampton, who are also keen on a permanent deal.
