Chelsea have been tipped as the most likely club to sign France center-back Jules Kounde this summer.
The Sevilla defender has been strongly linked with Manchester United and Real Madrid and was a serious goal for Manchester City 2020 before signing Ruben Dias instead.
Kounde filled in as a right-back in his only appearance for France at Euro 2020 so far, but it is in the middle of the defense for Sevilla where the 22-year-old has emerged as one of the most promising young players in Europe.
Manchester United’s search for a midfielder has been well publicized, with Kounde as one of the best goals the Old Trafford club has considered in recent months alongside Pau Torres. Raphael Varane is also increasingly linked with United as he looks to leave Real Madrid.
Varane’s potential departure from the Bernabeu is precisely the reason why Los Blancos is expected to be in the market for another midfielder. Although they have already signed David Alaba as a free agent, they have now also lost Sergio Ramos and need to strengthen again.
Kounde has a release clause of 80 million euros in Sevilla / Alex Caparros / Getty Images
Chelea’s desire for a midfielder has been less pronounced until now, but when Thiago Silva turned 37 in September, Fikayo sold Tomori and doubts Andreas Christensen’s and Kurt Zouma’s long – term suitability as a starter, the Blues can now move for Kounde.
ABC de Sevilla writes that no club has yet made an offer to Sevilla but Chelsea are now seen as the most likely with “great opportunities”. Kounde has a buyout clause of EUR 80 million (EUR 68.7 million), but there are suggestions that the English clubs are interested in an agreement being reached for EUR 65 million (EUR 55.8 million).
Arsenal are also credited with the interest of the Frenchman, but the Gunners cannot offer Champions League football next season. They are now also closing in on Brighton’s center-back Ben Ben instead of £ 50 million.
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