Jules Koundé to Chelsea is still on, after the London club and reigning European Champions are said to be desperately finding a possible solution with Sevilla on a deal.
According to the latest report by renowned football journalist, Fabrizio, Jules Koundé to Chelsea has been made a top priority for the club, after personal terms were agreed on with the player, as the club wants him to join them as soon as possible.
Fabrizio also stated that Kurt Zouma is still being discussed in the deal, but Chelsea wants to go through with the deal also, even if Zouma won’t be included.
Recall that we reported here that the French and Sevilla defender, Jules Koundé is said to have agreed to personal terms with Chelsea until June 2026 in a deal that could be a swap deal.
Although not yet confirmed by both Chelsea and Sevilla, renowned football journalist, while giving an update on the deal on Tuesday, had stated the decision by the Chelsea board to bring 22-year-old Jules Koundé, could see Kurt Zouma going in the order way, as he has been discussed in the last few hours as part of the deal.
He could join Sevilla in the Koundé deal.
In a recent development, Sevilla who are also ready to trade but are asking for a transfer fee in the region of almost £70million, are said to have indicated an interest in Chelsea’s top-rated defender, Andreas Christensen.
This is the player they said they want, if at all they will be willing to do a swap deal with Chelsea. And not Zouma that the London club are looking to offload with just 2-years left on his contract.
Fabrizio also added that a contract until June 2026 has been agreed with Koundé, who is also open to moving to Chelsea as he wants Champions League football.
Chelsea and Sevilla are yet to reach an agreement, but reports have it that they are in advanced talks to reach an agreement on payment/deal structure.
If signed, Kounde will become Chelsea’s second signing of the window, having secured Marcus Bettinelli on a free transfer.
Sevilla Want Andreas Christensen
Sevilla who have placed a transfer fee of over £70million on Kounde, are said to have rejected a swap deal that is likely to see Zouma coming over to Spain, and Kounde to London. The Spanish side are instead requesting a deal that would involve Andreas Christensen and cash for Kounde.
According to The Athletic, Sevilla are admirers of Christensen but Chelsea will not entertain any offer for the defender, as they are also looking to offer the Danish defender a new contract after a fantastic season.
What did Andreas Christensen say?
The Cobham Academy graduate said: “I’ve shown that I’m here for the long run. I’ve been here almost nine, 10 years now.
“There have not been any talks [on a contract extension] yet, but like I said, I’m in this for the long run and I always have been. I feel like this is my second home. Denmark will always be my home, but Chelsea will always be my place.”
Christensen has returned to first-team training following Denmark’s Euro 2020 semi-final defeat and he will be looking to build on an impressive end to last season for both club and country.
How many clubs have been linked to Jules Koundé?
The French international, who has a release clause worth €80 million in his contract, is on the radar of some of Europe’s top clubs after a stellar 2020/21 campaign for Julen Lopetegui’s side.
Aside from Chelsea, who are seen to be keener on the player’s signature, the likes of Tottenham, Manchester United, Real Madrid and others have been rumoured to be interested in the 22-year-old.
Tottenham are said to have failed in their bid to lure the centre-back to north London as he refused to consider signing for a club that won’t be playing Champions League football next season.
Zouma moving to Sevilla and Jules Koundé to Chelsea
According to reports, Kurt Zouma is said to have rejected plans to be pushed over to Sevilla, in a player-plus-cash swap deal for Koundé, as he prefers remaining in London.
The French man who has fallen down the pecking order since the arrival of a new manager, Thomas Tuchel, will be open to moving to any of the teams in London, with West Ham already in for his signature.
Zouma played just 13 times in all competitions under Tuchel, with the German head coach preferring Antonio Rudiger instead.
SkySports reported that West Ham are in talks with Chelsea over the signing of the defender, as they are prepared to pay around £20million for him.
The 26-year-old arrived from Saint-Etienne in 2014 but is entering the final two years of his contract at Stamford Bridge.
Zouma has featured 150 times for Chelsea, scoring ten goals and is a winner of two Premier League titles, three FA Cups, the League Cup and the Champions League.
Chelsea plays Arsenal tomorrow, in yet another pre-season game, after playing and winning two out of two pre-season games played so far, with more players still returning from holidays.
