Chelsea are close to concluding a deal for Sevilla defender Jules Kounde, with the Andalusian club considering a number of players who have been offered a replacement.
News of the Blues’ quest for Kounde broke out on Tuesday, with the club choosing to strengthen their central defensive options amid doubts about the long-term future of Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rudiger and Kurt Zouma.
In fact, Zouma has tipped to go elsewhere from various sources – having started just eight games since the turn of the year – while Christensen and Rudiger, who have both impressed enormously under Thomas Tuchel, have only 12 months left on their respective contracts despite the Germans’ desire to tie both to extensions.
90min understands, however, that Zouma is not the only player who has been presented to Sevilla, with a plethora of options available should the Spaniards be interested.
Davide Zappacosta, Tiemoue Bakayoko, Matt Miazga and Kenedy are just some of the players available for transfer at Stamford Bridge, while it is possible to send Malang Sarr – who would be a similar replacement for Kounde – to Ramon Sanchez- Pizjuan Stadium on loan. out.
Sevilla are no strangers to switching players, having taken on board Erik Lamela from Tottenham as part of their sale of Bryan Gil, although a deal for Kounde does not depend on a departure from Stamford Bridge being included.
An award has not been quoted for Kounde’s imminent move to west London but is expected to fall under the release clause in his £ 70m contract. Personal terms have already been agreed and it has been confirmed to 90 minutes that there is an expectation that he will become a Chelsea player before long.
The 22-year-old’s move follows a great interest in Kounde’s services, both at home and abroad. Real Madrid and Manchester United have been hailed as potential suitors at once, although it is Tottenham who will feel most upset over their move to Chelsea – after seeing a method of bringing Kounde to north London rejected by the player himself.
