Kounde edges closer to becoming the first signing of the Boehly era at Chelsea
Cameron Smith
- 13 May 2022 08:28 BST
- 3 min read
Jules Kounde remains high on Chelsea's list of targets as the Blues prepare for a summer spending spree when their takeover is completed.
Due to the sanctions placed on Roman Abramovich following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Chelsea have been unable to renew contracts and sign or sell players, among many other things.
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As a result, the departures of both Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger on free transfers won't be prevented, leaving the Blues with work to do in the summer market.
Filling the holes left by that duo will be a mission over the course of the transfer window, but Chelsea are keen to fix their issues early in order to allow head coach Thomas Tuchel time to work with any new signings.
The impending arrival of Todd Boehly's group as new owners, following their successful bid to buy the club, is expected to lead to a slight turnover in the Chelsea squad, with investment into facilities and transfers expected to occur.
Central midfield remains a position of high concern, while central defensive options need bolstering with the aforementioned exits of Christensen and Rudiger.
According to multiple reports, the first target in the backline is Sevilla defender Jules Kounde. The France international was close to a move to Stamford Bridge last summer, but a move fell through despite personal terms being agreed.
Sevilla reportedly upped their asking price at the last minute, which discouraged Chelsea from going through with the deal. However, the Blues remain interested one year on, and are said to want a deal for Kounde the first of the Boehly era.
Dean Jones, via Give Me Sport, has reported that Chelsea are pursuing an early deal for Kounde to put the sanctions placed on the club behind them.
Those within the Blues set-up reportedly expect a deal to be officially completed shortly after Boehly's consortium arrives as owners. It's understood that personal terms won't be a problem due to the agreement made last summer, but it remains to be seen if Chelsea will activate his €80 million (£68.2m) release clause or try to negotiate a lower fee.
Will Kounde join Chelsea?
Give Me Sport have reported the player is still keen to join Chelsea, and Stamford Bridge is understood to be his favoured destination.
Kounde is also Chelsea's first choice, but the club will be wary that a move fell through last summer.
As a result, they will allow Tuchel the chance to make a judgement on Levi Colwill once he returns from his loan spell at Huddersfield, and float the idea of signing Paris Saint-Germain defender Presnel Kimpembe, who worked under Tuchel in France.
