Thomas Tuchel's signing Chelsea starting line-up agree World-Class completes transfer from Sevilla



Thomas Tuchel’s dream Chelsea starting line-up if Jules Kounde completes transfer from Sevilla

This summer promises to be an important and eventful one for Chelsea for two major reasons. It’ll be the American’s first transfer window; and an opportunity to set the tone for the post-Roman Abramovich era.

Secondly, they will require a major defensive rebuild with Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen both out of contract at the end of the month. Blues boss Thomas Tuchel will be keen to bolster his backline ahead of the new season with the club keen to close the gap on Manchester City and Liverpool, as well as challenge for silverware in cup competitions.

Rudiger’s deal to Real Madrid has already been confirmed when his deal expires, and Christensen is expected to join Barcelona. As a result of their impending departures, Chelsea have been linked with several centre-backs, and one player in particular believed to be of interest to the club is Sevilla’s Jules Kounde.

The 23-year-old has established as one of the best young defenders in Europe over the last few seasons and has been on the Blues’ radar for some time. Kounde is equally adept at playing as a right-sided centre-back and right-back, making him a good fit for Tuchel’s tried and tested three-man defence.

The Frenchman is comfortable playing the ball out from the back, has a great turn of pace, and despite only being 5ft 11, he possesses a powerful leap making him effective in both penalty boxes. In many ways, Kounde is the ideal replacement for Rudiger, and with his contract expiring in the summer of 2024, Sevilla may be tempted to cash in this summer to stop him from entering the final year of his deal.

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ANNOUNCED: Chelsea finnaly complete deal after ‘leading the race’ to sign talented 23-year-old



Chelsea FC still ‘leading the race’ to sign talented 23-year-old

Chelsea FC are still the front-runners to sign Jules Kounde from Sevilla this summer despite interest from FC Barcelona in the defender, according to Italian reporter Fabrizio Romano.

The Blues have long been credited with an interest in the 23-year-old central defender and reportedly came close to signing him last summer but a deal ultimately failed to materialise.

Chelsea FC are set to have to bolster their back-line this summer, with Antonio Rudiger set to join Real Madrid on a free transfer and Andreas Christensen also expected to depart the south west London club as a free agent.

Now, Italian journalist Romano has claimed that FC Barcelona would also love to sign Kounde this summer – but the financial situation at the Spanish club means that they are unlikely to be able to cough up the transfer fee, in the region of €55m and €65m, that Sevilla are looking for.

Providing an update on Chelsea FC’s long-standing interest in signing Kounde on his podcast this week, Romano confirmed that the Blues are still leading the race to sign the France international this summer as Thomas Tuchel sets about adding some quality to his defensive rearguard.

Speaking on his Here We Go podcast, Romano said of Chelsea FC’s interest in Kounde: “They are still the favourites to sign him.

“Let me say, because we see a lot of reports, that it’s true that Barcelona love the player. But at the moment they can’t pay what Sevilla wants for Kounde – they want between €55m and €65m.

“Let’s how the situation is going to be in the coming days, but Chelsea are leading the race for Kounde.”

Romano also revealed that Sevilla may have a potential replacement for Kounde lined up this summer in the shape of Galatasaray defender Marcao.

He added: “Let me say, on Sevilla, that Marcao from Galatasaray – the Brazilian centre-back – could be an option to replace him [Kounde].”

Kounde, who made one appearance for France at last summer’s Euro 2020 tournament, scored two goals and made one assist in 32 La Liga games for Sevilla last season.

He joined Sevilla from French side Bordeaux back in the summer of 2019 and has scored three goals in 44 games for the Spanish side since then.

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DEAL CLOSED: Chelsea beat PSG ‘willing to pay €75m’ for 25-year-old Brazil international forward



Chelsea and PSG ‘willing to pay €75m’ for 25-year-old Brazil international forward

Home Chelsea Chelsea and PSG ‘willing to pay €75m’ for 25-year-old Brazil international forward

Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are both prepared to put €75million on the table for Everton forward Richarlison, according to reports.

Richarlison is one of many players being eyed up by Thomas Tuchel this summer.

The Blues have been linked with Manchester City duo Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling, as well as numerous defenders following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.

According to Fichajes (via The Hard Tackle), Chelsea are ‘willing to pay’ €75m for Everton’s Richarlison.

The 25-year-old enjoyed a stellar 2021/22 campaign as the Toffees narrowly avoided relegation from the Premier League.

He scored 10 goals in 30 league encounters, including six in his final nine appearances of the season.

PSG are also said to be keen on the forward and has ‘already been chosen’ by sporting director Leonardo, although the Brazilian is expected to leave the club in the coming weeks.

Tuchel may need to bring in a new forward amidst Romelu Lukaku’s situation at Stamford Bridge.

The Belgian struggled last term and after a difficult first season back at the club, he could return to Inter Milan, who are looking to sign him on loan.

Timo Werner’s future is also uncertain, meaning Chelsea could step up their interest in Richarlison by submitting a formal bid.

Meanwhile, Sevilla director Jose Maria Cruz de Andres has revealed that Jules Kounde has asked to leave the club.

Kounde is a top target for Chelsea and agreed personal terms with the Premier League club last summer.

“Again, the player, I am sure, respects Sevilla FC,” Cruz told Sport Witness. “He is happy with us. In the case of Kounde, it is not a matter of money. It’s a matter of him wanting to play in a more competitive team than Sevilla FC,” the Spanish club’s general director explained.

“I am sure he is a player that is attractive for teams like Chelsea, FC Barcelona, Bayern Munich and these types of teams. He wants to play in a more competitive team.

“It’s the same case we had some years ago with [Clement] Lenglet. He was very happy, but he thought after playing some years at Sevilla FC, he was prepared to go to FC Barcelona.

“The first time we received an offer for him was a season before he was transferred. He [Lenglet] and his father told us they didn’t [want] to leave Sevilla then because they preferred to stay here and play a lot of matches.”

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WELCOME: Todd Boehly told Chelsea complete Jules Kounde signing as Sevilla say 'goodbye'



Todd Boehly told when Chelsea can complete Jules Kounde signing as Sevilla say ‘goodbye’

Todd Boehly has been told that long-term Chelsea target Jules Kounde can be signed before the end of the month as his current club Sevilla prepare to say ‘goodbye’ as they look to seek out replacements for the Frenchman and new Aston Villa defender Diego Carlos.

It has been known for a very long time that the Les Bleus international was to be destined for a Stamford Bridge switch. Unfortunately, the 23-year-old was denied this possibility last summer but the same situation doesn’t look like unfolding itself once again this time round. This is despite the Andalusian’s, ran by well known sporting director Monchi, already generating significant funds this summer from the sale of Kounde’s defensive partner over the last few seasons, Carlos, who decided to snub Newcastle United to join Steven Gerrard’s project in the West Midlands.

As a result of Sevilla needing to generate funds to balance the books and kickstart their respective summer transfer window, it is understood that their number 23 would also have to be sold at a cut-price from his release clause with a fee of around £51million expected to be enough to end this long transfer saga. Of course, the CIES Football Observatory (CIES) have his current value at around £65m so this purchase will be seen as a massive coup for a defender who is rated as one of the most exciting and upcoming defenders in the game and most certainly La Liga.

football.london understands that despite all the speculation, no official talks have been opened yet directly between Chelsea and Sevilla but it is still a deal that is expected to be quickly concluded between the two parties once the transfer window officially opens on June 10.

A sentiment echoed by the Spanish media who have added more substance to Kounde’s situation. Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo via Sport Witness have reported that Sevilla are preparing to say ‘goodbye’ to their centre-half and have put the deadline of the end of the month for a deal to be struck with Chelsea.

This would give Julen Lopetegui plenty of time to sign replacements for the outgoing duo with all of Duje Caleta Car, Jason Denayer and Alexander Dijku already being lined up by the Spanish outfit. The 5ft 8inch defender isn’t the only one expected through the doors at Stamford Bridge this summer.

News that has been confirmed by Chief Chelsea Correspondent for football.london Adam Newson who outlined Boehly’s plan of action for replacing a certain outgoing duo. He wrote in his most recent Q&A segment: «In terms of Kounde, I think he would be more of a replacement for Andreas Christensen – or Cesar Azpilicueta if he moves one – given his ability to play on the right of the back three or at right-back.»

What about the already gone Antonio Rudiger? Who is going to replace the now Real Madrid player who was a big character in West London? Well, all options are still on the table amid Kalidou Koulibaly, Matthijs de Ligt, Josko Gvardiol and other defender rumours but the Kounde and Ousmane Dembele purchases so early on in the summer would be a prominent sign for what is to come in the next few months.

«Reinforcements are, of course, needed and in Jules Kounde and Ousmane Dembele it’s clear Chelsea are looking at players in the market that are ready now but with room to grow and improve. Josko Gvardiol and Christopher Nkunku fit into that bracket. Declan Rice too,» Newson added in his Q&A.

«From what I understand, that £200million would also factor in money from players sales. But to be honest, there’s always an element of manoeuvrability in terms of the ‘war chest’. There are a few centre-backs the club have shortlisted as the look to replace Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen – which includes Jose Gimenez, Pau Torres and Presnel Kimpembe – while Borna Sosa is a potential option at left wing-back if Marcos Alonso and Emerson move on.»

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