Transfer window: Chelsea ‘want early deal for Jules Kounde’

Chelsea reportedly remain keen to tie up a deal to sign Sevilla defender Jules Kounde as soon as possible.

The Premier League giants had been eager to bring in the France international last summer, only to be put off by Sevilla demanding that a release clause be paid in full.

Almost a year on from that saga, the Blues are still interested in acquiring the services of the 23-year-old, who is also said to have admirers in Barcelona.

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According to GiveMeSport, Chelsea want to be proactive in securing a deal for Kounde as soon as their well-documented takeover is finalised.

With a consortium headed by Todd Boehly expected to be confirmed as Roman Abramovich’s replacement before the end of the month, the West Londoners are being tipped to go all out for Kounde, who should be available for less than his £68m release clause.

As well as Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger departing on free transfers, speculation persists that Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso could also leave Stamford Bridge before the start of 2022-23.