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Chelsea are gearing up to launch an official bid for Sevilla defender Jules Kounde, but the Blues will need to sell an existing centre-back in order to engineer the Frenchman’s arrival, according to reports. Kounde has been heavily linked with a summer move to Stamford Bridge in recent weeks as Thomas Tuchel looks to strengthen his defensive ranks ahead of the new Premier League season.
The German boss has transformed Chelsea’s fortunes at the back since replacing Frank Lampard at the helm in January.
Their ability to shut out opponents played a crucial role in shaping the club’s recent Champions League triumph, with the Blues conceding just once in the knockout stages of the competition.
Despite his side’s newly-found status as European champions, Tuchel is reportedly keen to add further quality in defence as he eyes a renewed Premier League title challenge.
Kounde, who has established himself as one of Europe’s finest young defenders in recent years, is said to be near the top of Chelsea’s wish list ahead of the new campaign.
He made 49 appearances for the Spanish outfit in all competitions last time around, with his impressive form earning a call-up to France’s 26-man squad for Euro 2020.
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It seems as though Chelsea will be looking to act on their interest in Kounde over the coming weeks as this month’s transfer deadline rapidly approaches.
The west London club are ‘ready’ to submit a formal offer to Sevilla if they can manage to offload one of their current central defenders, according to The Telegraph.
The report claims that Chelsea have identified a number of players that could be sold this summer, including Kurt Zouma, who was restricted to a bit-part role last season.
He has recently been linked with a move to West Ham United, who are seeking defensive reinforcements of their own ahead of the new season.
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The Hammers have contacted Chelsea over the possibility of signing Zouma, but Fiorentina’s Nikola Milenkovic is also an option under consideration, according to talkSPORT.
The latter only has a year left to run on his current deal and could represent a cheaper option for West Ham if Fiorentina decide to accept a cut-price fee for his services.
If Chelsea are unable to send Zouma to the London Stadium, it could pose an issue with regards to their pursuit of Kounde, who has a release clause of £68million.
The Blues have reportedly been in talks with Sevilla for a number of weeks, but whether or not they can eventually agree a deal for the 22-year-old remains to be seen.
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Kounde’s current employers are believed to be assessing a handful of potential replacements, with Tottenham defender Davinson Sanchez said to be on the club’s radar.
Meanwhile, the former recently fuelled suggestions that Chelsea could be his next destination by admitting that he is toying with the idea of a new challenge.
“Regarding my future, it’s certain that I will perhaps have to change clubs this summer,” Kounde told reporters back in May.
“But nothing has been finalised yet. I have not decided anything. My goal is to play for a big club, to try to always progress and to win trophies.
“It’s true that I might have to move, but that’s not relevant today.”
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