The Blues are confident in their stance for Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde as Kurt Zouma edges closer to West Ham United. The Blues have agreed verbally with the player, but are yet to discuss the terms with the LaLiga side.
Even after winning the Champions League last season, Thomas Tuchel is looking to strengthen the roster as in an attempt to win the Premier League as well.
The Blues have already signed Romelu Lukaku to strengthen their attack. Former Inter Milan striker took just 15 minutes to net a goal against Arsenal in his debut match for the Blues in his second stint at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues are looking to balance the books as Zouma is inching closer to a move to West Ham United. He has completed his medical and the Hammers are offering him a five-year contract.
The Frenchman has already given his green signal, and the transfer will cost WHU around 30 million euros. Once Zouma’s deal is sealed, Chelsea will look to pursue Kounde from Sevilla.
According to several reports, Sevilla have set an asking fee of 42 million pounds for the French international excluding bonuses. But some outlets feel that Sevilla are under no pressure to sell the 22-year-old so the transfer fee may go higher.
Kounde has a £77m release clause on his current contract. However, Chelsea feel that they can rope in the Frenchman at a much lower fee.
“It is true that there was an offer for Kounde that we turned down,”
“Right now there is no concrete offer for the player. If it comes, we will look at it as we always have done. If we have to [sell], we will do, as long as those resources can be re-invested in the club to keep improving and expand our trophy cabinet,”
club president Jose Castro explained.
Tuchel is setting his defensive tactics keeping Kounde in mind. Andreas Christensen has less than a year left in his contract, and the board is very sure about his future, whereas Antonio Rudiger is likely to leave. Trevoh Chalobah, who was earlier set to move out on loan, will sign a five-year contract with the Blues.
