Chelsea have reportedly emerged as the strong frontrunners to sign Sevilla defender Jules Kounde, ahead of Premier League rivals Manchester United and Arsenal this summer.
All three
clubs are in the hunt for a top-class defender to bolster their respective
centre-back positions, with Kounde high on their wish-lists. And now ABC Sevilla, as cited by Sport Witness, claims that the Frenchman will more than likely
end up in England.
The report
adds that Premier League suitors will have to pay upwards of €65m to land
the player. That is down to the fact that his club rejected a €55m from
Manchester City last year – with the player only adding to his value since then.
Of the three clubs mentioned, the report adds that Chelsea are
the ‘most likely candidates’ to sign Kounde. That is somewhat of a
surprise, given that Thomas Tuchel already has solid options in the position.
His favoured pairing of Antonio
Rudiger and Thiago Silva impressed as a partnership towards the end of the
campaign. Kurt Zouma and Andreas Christensen are also solid options, while
Cesar Azpilicueta has often been used in a back three.
However, with Silva turning 37
in September, Tuchel wants a young option to learn of the Brazilian.
At 22 years of age, Kounde
represents a value signing who could be a regular starter for years to come.
But whether they will be
prepared to pay in excess of €65m for the player remains to be seen at this
stage.
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