Jules Kounde’s situation ‘is causing tension at Sevilla, with the defender desperate to leave but no offers yet – as Chelsea explore different options like Matthijs de Ligt, Nathan Ake and Kalidou Koulibaly’
- Sevilla are concerned by the situation of wantaway centre back Jules Kounde
- The defender wants to leave but the LaLiga side have not received any offers yet
- Chelsea were previously said to be interested in signing the French international
- But they are now exploring different options like Matthijs de Ligt and Nathan Ake
Sevilla are concerned by the situation of Jules Kounde who wants to leave but has not attracted any offers, according to reports in Spain.
Kounde’s move to Chelsea appeared to be a no-brainer earlier this summer, with Sevilla happy to sell for a sizeable fee, the defender wanting to move clubs and the Blues keen to strengthen their backline.
But as reported by Marca, via Football Espana, there has been no progress and Chelsea are moving onto other defensive options like Matthijs de Ligt, Nathan Ake and Kalidou Koulibaly.
Sevilla are concerned by the situation of defender Jules Kounde (above) – who wants to leave the La Liga side but has reportedly not attracted any offers in the summer transfer window
The LaLiga side and Kounde himself are said to have been acting under the assumption the move will happen.
But no club has yet been willing to meet the £55million asking price, or make steps towards negotiating that figure.
That is a blow for Julen Lopetegui’s side, who want to shift a star unhappy to be there, and more importantly use the money from his sale to reinvest in their squad for next season.
Kounde’s move to Chelsea appeared to be a no-brainer but the club and boss Thomas Tuchel are said to be moving onto options like Matthijs de Ligt, Nathan Ake and Kalidou Koulibaly
Chelsea, after losing centre halves Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen on free transfers this summer, need to add to their defence and have the money to spend after Todd Boehly’s takeover at Stamford Bridge.
They are in negotiations to bring City’s Ake back to the club, are interested in Juventus’ Dutch star de Ligt and are reportedly keen on Koulibaly as an alternative.
Barcelona have reportedly emerged as a potential buyer for Kounde, but given their financial problems and desire to add players in attack – especially Robert Lewandowski – it remains to be seen whether they can afford the asking price.
The Blues are in negotiations to bring Manchester City defender Ake back to Stamford Bridge
Sevilla chief Jose Maria Cruz previously confirmed the player wishes to play his football elsewhere next season owing to his ‘ambition’.
He said: ‘Again, the player, I am sure, respects Sevilla FC. He is happy with us. In the case of Kounde, it is not a matter of money. It’s a matter of him wanting to play in a more competitive team than Sevilla.
‘I am sure he is a player that is attractive for teams like Chelsea, FC Barcelona, Bayern Munich and these types of teams. He wants to play in a more competitive team.’
