Chelsea are still hopeful about signing Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde, despite the Frenchman’s recent valuation being revealed, according to reports.
Last summer, the 23-year-old was extensively linked with a move to Chelsea and was on the verge of joining before the Spanish club turned down Chelsea’s alleged proposals.
However, his departure is becoming increasingly imminent, and his ties with Chelsea do not appear to be fading.
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According to Matt Law of the Telegraph, the Blues are hoping that a bid of around £42 million, with the possibility of add-ons bringing the total value up to £50 million, will be enough to get Kounde to join them.
With Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen, and Marcos Alonso all likely to leave in the summer, the west London club is in a difficult defensive situation.
Captain Cesar Azpilicueta is also rumored to be on the verge of leaving, but his exit is not as imminent as the others.
While Chelsea still has the likes of Thiago Silva and Trevoh Chalobah at center-back, Kounde’s youth will be a welcome addition to their defensive scheme.
Chelsea is expected to make a move for the teenager shortly, according to Fabrizio Romano, and Kounde is ‘convinced’ that he will join the Blues this summer.
Kounde was even photographed in London earlier this week, just days before Chelsea’s takeover was finalized.