Chelsea step up negotiations to sign Jules Kounde from Sevilla as they look to beat Barcelona to his signature... and the Blues are prepared to pay more than £46MILLION to bring the versatile defender to Stamford Bridge

Daily Mail | July 19, 2022

Chelsea have advanced negotiations with Sevilla for defender Jules Kounde as they look to head off competition from Barcelona.

The 23-year-old is back on Chelsea's agenda along with Paris St Germain's Presnel Kimpembe after Manchester City blocked a move for Nathan Ake.

The Blues have held a long-term interest in Kounde as they were keen on signing him last summer, but were unable to get a deal across the line.

Sevilla defender Jules Kounde is attracting interest from Chelsea and Barcelona

Chelsea have already signed defender Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli recently

Thomas Tuchel now wants to bring Kounde to Stamford Bridge to strengthen his defence

Paris St Germain defender Presnel Kimpembe is also on Chelsea's wish list

Thomas Tuchel is still trying to strengthen his defence after bringing in Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli, having lost Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen earlier this summer, and has turned his attention to Kounde once more.