Todd Boehly told when Chelsea can complete Jules Kounde signing as Sevilla say 'goodbye'
Todd Boehly has been told that long-term Chelsea target Jules Kounde can be signed before the
end of the month as his current club Sevilla prepare to say 'goodbye' as they look to seek
out replacements for the Frenchman and new Aston Villa defender Diego Carlos.
It has been known for a very long time that the Les Bleus international was to be destined
for a Stamford Bridge switch.
Unfortunately, the 23-year-old was denied this possibility last summer but the same
situation doesn't look like unfolding itself once again this time round.
This is despite the Andalusian's, ran by well known sporting director Monchi, already generating
significant funds this summer from the sale of Kounde's defensive partner over the last
few seasons, Carlos, who decided to snub Newcastle United to join Steven Gerrard's project in
the West Midlands.
As a result of Sevilla needing to generate funds to balance the books and kickstart their
respective summer transfer window, it is understood that their number 23 would also have to be
sold at a cut-price from his release clause with a fee of around £51million expected
to be enough to end this long transfer saga.
Of course, the CIES Football Observatory (CIES) have his current value at around £65m so
this purchase will be seen as a massive coup for a defender who is rated as one of the
most exciting and upcoming defenders in the game and most certainly La Liga.
football.london understands that despite all the speculation, no official talks have been
opened yet directly between Chelsea and Sevilla but it is still a deal that is expected to
be quickly concluded between the two parties once the transfer window officially opens
on June 10.
A sentiment echoed by the Spanish media who have added more substance to Kounde's situation.
Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo via Sport Witness have reported that Sevilla are preparing
to say 'goodbye' to their centre-half and have put the deadline of the end of the month
for a deal to be struck with Chelsea.
This would give Julen Lopetegui plenty of time to sign replacements for the outgoing
duo with all of Duje Caleta Car, Jason Denayer and Alexander Dijku already being lined up
by the Spanish outfit.
The 5ft 8inch defender isn't the only one expected through the doors at Stamford Bridge
this summer.
News that has been confirmed by Chief Chelsea Correspondent for football.london Adam Newson
who outlined Boehly's plan of action for replacing a certain outgoing duo.
He wrote in his most recent Q&A segment: "In terms of Kounde, I think he would be more
of a replacement for Andreas Christensen – or Cesar Azpilicueta if he moves one – given
his ability to play on the right of the back three or at right-back."
What about the already gone Antonio Rudiger?
Who is going to replace the now Real Madrid player who was a big character in West London?
Well, all options are still on the table amid Kalidou Koulibaly, Matthijs de Ligt, Josko
Gvardiol and other defender rumours but the Kounde and Ousmane Dembele purchases so early
on in the summer would be a prominent sign for what is to come in the next few months.
"Reinforcements are, of course, needed and in Jules Kounde and Ousmane Dembele it's clear
Chelsea are looking at players in the market that are ready now but with room to grow and
improve.
Josko Gvardiol and Christopher Nkunku fit into that bracket.
Declan Rice too," Newson added in his Q&A.
"From what I understand, that £200million would also factor in money from players sales.
But to be honest, there's always an element of manoeuvrability in terms of the 'war chest'.
There are a few centre-backs the club have shortlisted as the look to replace Antonio
Rudiger and Andreas Christensen – which includes Jose Gimenez, Pau Torres and Presnel
Kimpembe – while Borna Sosa is a potential option at left wing-back if Marcos Alonso
and Emerson move on."