Etiqueta: the blues

Thomas Tuchel’s dream Chelsea starting line-up if Jules Kounde completes transfer from Sevilla

This summer promises to be an important and eventful one for Chelsea for two major reasons. It’ll be the American’s first transfer window; and an opportunity to set the tone for the post-Roman Abramovich era.

Secondly, they will require a major defensive rebuild with Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen both out of contract at the end of the month. Blues boss Thomas Tuchel will be keen to bolster his backline ahead of the new season with the club keen to close the gap on Manchester City and Liverpool, as well as challenge for silverware in cup competitions.

Rudiger’s deal to Real Madrid has already been confirmed when his deal expires, and Christensen is expected to join Barcelona. As a result of their impending departures, Chelsea have been linked with several centre-backs, and one player in particular believed to be of interest to the club is Sevilla’s Jules Kounde.

The 23-year-old has established as one of the best young defenders in Europe over the last few seasons and has been on the Blues’ radar for some time. Kounde is equally adept at playing as a right-sided centre-back and right-back, making him a good fit for Tuchel’s tried and tested three-man defence.

The Frenchman is comfortable playing the ball out from the back, has a great turn of pace, and despite only being 5ft 11, he possesses a powerful leap making him effective in both penalty boxes. In many ways, Kounde is the ideal replacement for Rudiger, and with his contract expiring in the summer of 2024, Sevilla may be tempted to cash in this summer to stop him from entering the final year of his deal.

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Todd Boehly told when Chelsea can complete Jules Kounde signing as Sevilla say ‘goodbye’

Todd Boehly has been told that long-term Chelsea target Jules Kounde can be signed before the end of the month as his current club Sevilla prepare to say ‘goodbye’ as they look to seek out replacements for the Frenchman and new Aston Villa defender Diego Carlos.

It has been known for a very long time that the Les Bleus international was to be destined for a Stamford Bridge switch. Unfortunately, the 23-year-old was denied this possibility last summer but the same situation doesn’t look like unfolding itself once again this time round. This is despite the Andalusian’s, ran by well known sporting director Monchi, already generating significant funds this summer from the sale of Kounde’s defensive partner over the last few seasons, Carlos, who decided to snub Newcastle United to join Steven Gerrard’s project in the West Midlands.

As a result of Sevilla needing to generate funds to balance the books and kickstart their respective summer transfer window, it is understood that their number 23 would also have to be sold at a cut-price from his release clause with a fee of around £51million expected to be enough to end this long transfer saga. Of course, the CIES Football Observatory (CIES) have his current value at around £65m so this purchase will be seen as a massive coup for a defender who is rated as one of the most exciting and upcoming defenders in the game and most certainly La Liga.

football.london understands that despite all the speculation, no official talks have been opened yet directly between Chelsea and Sevilla but it is still a deal that is expected to be quickly concluded between the two parties once the transfer window officially opens on June 10.

A sentiment echoed by the Spanish media who have added more substance to Kounde’s situation. Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo via Sport Witness have reported that Sevilla are preparing to say ‘goodbye’ to their centre-half and have put the deadline of the end of the month for a deal to be struck with Chelsea.

This would give Julen Lopetegui plenty of time to sign replacements for the outgoing duo with all of Duje Caleta Car, Jason Denayer and Alexander Dijku already being lined up by the Spanish outfit. The 5ft 8inch defender isn’t the only one expected through the doors at Stamford Bridge this summer.

News that has been confirmed by Chief Chelsea Correspondent for football.london Adam Newson who outlined Boehly’s plan of action for replacing a certain outgoing duo. He wrote in his most recent Q&A segment: «In terms of Kounde, I think he would be more of a replacement for Andreas Christensen – or Cesar Azpilicueta if he moves one – given his ability to play on the right of the back three or at right-back.»

What about the already gone Antonio Rudiger? Who is going to replace the now Real Madrid player who was a big character in West London? Well, all options are still on the table amid Kalidou Koulibaly, Matthijs de Ligt, Josko Gvardiol and other defender rumours but the Kounde and Ousmane Dembele purchases so early on in the summer would be a prominent sign for what is to come in the next few months.

«Reinforcements are, of course, needed and in Jules Kounde and Ousmane Dembele it’s clear Chelsea are looking at players in the market that are ready now but with room to grow and improve. Josko Gvardiol and Christopher Nkunku fit into that bracket. Declan Rice too,» Newson added in his Q&A.

«From what I understand, that £200million would also factor in money from players sales. But to be honest, there’s always an element of manoeuvrability in terms of the ‘war chest’. There are a few centre-backs the club have shortlisted as the look to replace Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen – which includes Jose Gimenez, Pau Torres and Presnel Kimpembe – while Borna Sosa is a potential option at left wing-back if Marcos Alonso and Emerson move on.»

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