The 23-year-old Sevilla star has reportedly
agreed a five-year deal on personal terms with Chelsea, but an agreement
between the two clubs is still missing.
The report claims that Sevilla are looking
for a deal worth £56million for the defender and have told Chelsea that any
deal must be wrapped up by July 5.
For Sevilla, an early conclusion to the
defender’s transfer saga will allow them more time to find a replacement and
potentially strengthen their squad using the funds potentially raised from the
sale.
Chelsea are not the only club in the race
for the France international, however.
Barcelona are also interested in Kounde,
and the report added that they are prepared to pay £51.5m for the player, which
is slightly below Sevilla’s demands.
The Catalan club have yet to submit a
formal offer, however, and it remains unclear whether they could meet the
reported deadline.
Recent reports suggest that Chelsea have
shifted their attention to Juventus’ Matthijs de Ligt, who is entering the
final two years of his contract at the Italian club.
Given the reported personal agreement
between Kounde and Chelsea, the Sevilla defender is likely the safer bet for
Chelsea, who desperately need new centre-backs after Antonio Rudiger and
Andreas Christensen’s exits.
Also, unlike Sevilla, Juventus are
reportedly not very keen on losing their star player.
But De Ligt is arguably a more exciting
target, albeit likely more expensive, and Italian outlet Tuttosport recently
claimed that Thomas Tuchel himself is pushing for the pursuit of the Juventus
defender.
Keep up to date with all the latest Chelsea
news and opinion by following The Chelsea Chronicle’s Facebook and Twitter
accounts.