Chelsea isn’t ready to give up on Sevilla’s standout defender Jules Kounde despite failing to agree on a transfer for the 22-year-old player during the summer transfer window. According to multiple reports, the Premier League giants didn’t lose their player and will make another run to secure his services in January.
Kounde was one of Chelsea’s main targets during the summer, with the club making several offers to Sevilla. At one point, the two sides seemed close to reaching the deal that would see Kounde move to Stamford Bridge for around $60 million, but the La Liga club surprisingly increased their demands.
Reportedly, Sevilla believed that Chelsea selling defender Kurt Zouma to West Ham puts them in a tight situation and that they will be willing to pay a premium for Kounde. But they overplayed their hand, as the English club wasn’t interested in improving their last offer.
While Chelsea remains unimpressed with Sevilla’s tactics, the sources close to the club say that the Blues are willing to reopen the negotiations when the transfer window opens again. However, they will only do so if Sevilla indicates that they are prepared to give a reasonable price for the player.
Kounde is believed to be eager to join Chelsea and will make a push to get the move over the line. He already agreed to personal terms with the club and would sign a five-year deal if the transfer goes through.
Jules Kounde arrived at Sevilla in 2019 in a $30 million transfer from Ligue 1 side Bordeaux. During his time in Spain, Kounde played 90 games and established himself as one of the most talented young defenders in soccer. He also made France’s national team and already has three appearances on the international level.
