Tuchel is looking to acquire three new center-backs to replace senior defenders Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger, who both departed on free transfers to join Real Madrid and Barcelona, respectively.
Thomas Tuchel recently indicated publicly that the club’s top objective in the transfer market at the moment is defense. Following the departure of many defenders, the Blues are now concentrating their efforts on Jules Kounde, a well-known transfer target.
Jules Kounde’s representatives have told Chelsea that the French defender is ready to complete his move to Stamford Bridge.
The Blues reached Sevilla’s £55 million asking price for Kounde earlier this week, but Barcelona maintained contact with him with the goal of encouraging him to come to Camp Nou instead – despite never making a formal proposal to Sevilla.
Meanwhile, Kounde was left out of Sevilla’s pre-season squad due to injury and has yet to start team training, only to request to fly to Portugal with the rest of the first team nevertheless.
Chelsea fans were alarmed by the defender’s moves, but sources have now confirmed to SPORTSHEBRON that Kounde has formally indicated his wish to complete his move to England.
Personal terms had long been agreed upon after Chelsea came close to signing Kounde last summer, and with Sevilla’s approval, the Blues are now finalizing the required papers to complete this long-awaited signing.
Following the acquisition of Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli, Kounde is likely to become Chelsea’s second defensive addition of the summer.
The addition of the Frenchman may also result in the exit of current Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta, who is desired by Barcelona and would cost the Catalan club a nominal price.
Officials from the La Liga club are currently contemplating more negotiations over a deal for Azpilicueta, who still wants to join Barcelona.
The Blaugrana are also interested in signing Chelsea left-back Marcos Alonso, who, like Azpilicueta, has only a year left on his contract at Stamford Bridge.
