Jules Kounde is 'determined' to leave Sevilla at the end of the season amid previous interest from Chelsea. According to the Press Association, the France international remains one of the club's top targets ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.
At the moment of writing, Chelsea are unable to conduct any transfer business due to the club's search for a new owner following the sanctions imposed on Roman Abramovich. That played a big part in Antonio Rudiger deciding that he wants to move away from Stamford Bridge upon the expiry of his contract in the summer.
"Toni, the media is on it. The situation is that he wants to leave the club," Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel told Sky Sports on Sunday afternoon. "He informed me of this is a private talk. We gave everything - me and the club - but we could not fight anymore because of the actions.
READ MORE: Three transfer options for Chelsea after Thomas Tuchel confirms Antonio Rudiger's exit plans
"Without the sanctions, we would at least be able to carry on fighting, but our hands are tied. We don't take it personally. It is his decision."
Rudiger will be difficult to replace, there's no doubting that. The German defender has been imperious in Tuchel's 14-month spell at Chelsea, and the head coach has acknowledged this.
"He is a key figure and will stay that way until the end of the season, but it is disappointing," Tuchel added on Rudiger. "We will miss him a lot. He gives courage in the dressing room. The kind everyone is afraid of, but the kind to play 50-55 games at an outstanding level.
"He is a top defender in the last one and a half years for me. We then need to find another solution."
That other "solution" Tuchel referenced could well be Kounde. The 23-year-old defender now has just over two years remaining on his contract at Sevilla, and the Spanish club could look to cash in on his services should he push for a move in the summer transfer window.
As the report from the PA goes on to add, Kounde was left 'frustrated' by Sevilla blocking his proposed move to Chelsea almost 12 months ago. However, his focus has remained with his current employers, and the Frenchman has played a huge part in his side's season, where they sit third in the Spanish top-flight at the moment.
In addition to this, these claims are backed up in Spain. Marca are reporting that Kounde is ready to 'pack his bags' in the summer transfer window. Chelsea, though, could face some serious competition from Manchester United, who are 'eyeing' him up.
Meanwhile, Andreas Christensen, who, like Rudiger, is now into the final stages of his Chelsea contract, also looks set to leave the club in the summer. This means the Blues, if their ownership situation, as hoped, is resolved by then, will need to go into the transfer market and look at possible centre-back options.
Levi Colwill, who is on loan at Championship club Huddersfield Town at the moment, has impressed at the Terriers. Many supporters on social media believe the teenage defender should be given a chance under Tuchel next season.
