Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies has revealed that he used to support Chelsea as a youngster, an admission that could potentially open up a possible Blues transfer in the future amid Thomas Tuchel's defensive struggles currently in the market.
After both Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly signed on the dotted line, most expected the Blues to be competing with their Premier League rivals for the winning the transfer window award but recent complications have put this in doubt. Jules Kounde, who the Blues were in a relatively strong position for until the weekend, is now Barcelona bound with reports in Spain claiming Chelsea have withdrawn their verbal offer, now allowing the Catalan giants a free run at the signing.
football.london understands that Chelsea did all they can to sign the 23-year-old including verbally agreeing a £55million fee plus personal terms for the Les Bleus international. But just like with Raphinha, the will of the player has taken priority here and his Barca preference has meant that the Xavi and co are odds on favourites now to seal the signature of the Sevilla man. It's a situation which has apparently left Chelsea frustrated.
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"What I can also confirm is that Chelsea are not happy with the situation," Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano confirmed on the Que Golazo podcast on Monday. "They are getting tired waiting because they have been waiting since last Wednesday or Tuesday to receive a green light from Kounde and Sevilla on £55million bid and a five year deal offered to Jules Kounde.
"And still, no green light for Kounde, so if Chelsea do not get green light today or tomorrow, they will be prepared to leave the deal and focus on other centre-backs.
"They are already exploring some potential alternatives, so they are not in advanced talks with any other players yet as they are still focussed on Kounde and they are getting tired.
"This Kounde saga is moving towards its end, so soon we will know for certain where he plays and Barcelona are now leading the race."
Focus will now switch to other targets - and the likes of Milan Skriniar, Presnel Kimpembe and more have been linked. Tuchel will hope swift action is taken from Boehly, who was there to see Tuchel's annoyance first-hand in the aftermath of the 4-0 Arsenal loss.
"There is no update, no update," Tuchel said on Kounde and the defensive situation when most recently quizzed about it all. "The analysing of the season does not change because of this game. Unfortunately, it proved my point and the last week proves my point. I would prefer to not be right and I did everything to prove myself wrong, but at the moment I feel I was right when I look at the last season and at the parts of the game where we struggled and how we struggled.
"We got sanctioned and players left us, we know that some players are trying to leave us, and this is where it is. We had an urgent appeal for quality players and a huge amount of quality players. We've got two quality players – that is no doubt – but we are not competitive like this and unfortunately, we could see it today."
The full-back area could become an area of concern, especially if both Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso were to eventually get their Barcelona wishes granted amid rumours that Chelsea have terminated talks with Barca due to the Kounde stand-off. With Jonathan Clauss set for Marseille, a new left-back or cover for Reece James may not be on the agenda until the 2023 January transfer or maybe even next summer.
One man who could bite at the opportunity to join Chelsea is Bayern superstar Davies who made an admission that could prove prominent in the future. Having established himself as one of the best in his position in the Bundesliga, many big clubs would jump at the opportunity to sign him. Maybe after listening to his short Blues message, Boehly will have his agents number in mind ahead of future transfer windows.
When the 21-year-old was asked about his favourite team by ESPN whilst out on tour in the US with the Bavarians, he said: "I mean, I grew up watching Chelsea. So, Chelsea."
Chelsea fans- Would you take Alphonso Davies as a future signing? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!
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