Sevilla midfielder Jules Kounde’s release clause has increased by 10 million euros (8.5 million pounds) for the last two weeks in the transfer window.
Chelsea are chasing the Frenchman and had decided to get an agreement with Kounde over the line earlier in the window, only for Sevilla’s unwillingness to negotiate and take any fringe players in exchange for letting things lie in the air.
The Blues have been looking at ways to bring down his £ 68m release clause, but according to AS, their hesitation has actually had the opposite effect as Kounde’s clause has been increased to almost £ 77m in the last two weeks of the summer window.
Sevilla have always insisted that they will only sell Kounde for his release clause, and just a few weeks ago there was a real belief that a £ 68 million payment would come eventually, but much has changed since then.
Chelsea have splashed out on £ 97.5m to write about Romelu Lukaku and have also been blessed with the rise of young Trevoh Chalobah in defense, leaving Thomas Tuchel unsure whether to continue with Kounde.
The emotional change in Sevilla became clear when Kounde started their La Liga opening against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday. He had been expected to miss to make sure he did not get an injury and ended his chances of moving to Chelsea, so it came as a surprise to see him leave for a full 90 minutes.
Interestingly, Kounde did not wear the number 12 jersey he has had since he came to Sevilla in 2019 and instead wore sports 23.
Although he plays Kounde, Sevilla are still waiting for an offer from Chelsea in the coming weeks, but they are adamant that his release clause must be fully complied with.
Kounde had a new shirt number for Sevilla / Fran Santiago / Getty Images
Although they do not actually want to lose Kounde, Sevilla’s officials are well aware that they will have to make big sales to reinvest in the squad and continue to grow, and there is an acceptance that Kounde will be the next blockbuster departure.
Chelsea were reluctant to pay the full £ 68 million, but they may now be forced to go a little higher if they want their man.
