Chelsea have been told any deal for Sevilla defender Jules Kounde must be wrapped up by July 5.
The Spaniards are demanding around £56million for the 23-year-old France international, who the Blues have been keen to sign since last summer. Terms on a five-year deal between Chelsea and the player have been agreed but a final agreement of his transfer fee has yet to be reached.
Now Chelsea’s reshuffle at board level is complete, the club are expected to start pushing forward on getting deals done, and Sevilla are keen to get a move on so they can reinvest some of the money Kounde’s transfer will secure them in strengthening their team.
A source at the La Liga club said: “The delay is affecting our ability to plan for the new season and that is the key reason for setting a date.” It is hoped that the deadline will spark Chelsea into action and talks between the two clubs are expected this week.
Barcelona are also admirers of Kounde and have let it be known they would pay £51.5m for him without submitting a formal bid. That does not meet Sevilla’s valuation, though, putting Chelsea in the box seat.
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Chelsea boss Thomas Tuche l, meanwhile, has been told by by Paul Merson he must get his act together in the transfer market and buy a world-class striker to replace Romelu Lukkau, who is joining Inter Milan on loan. Merson, a Chelsea fan, said: "Romelu was bought him to be a focal point, and to be that clinical goalscorer who would win them tight games. And they still need that. Kai Havertz is a No.10 for me. Not a centre forward. I look at him as a Dennis Bergkamp kind of player. He doesn't need the ball with his back to goal. He's too good for that.
"He needs the ball facing towards goal and he will make things happen. So Chelsea need to sign a striker or it's third again for them. If they sign a top quality striker to replace Lukaku I think they are bang up there with Manchester City and Liverpool. Without one, they are just a bit short."
Merson believes Lukaku is taking the easy way out going back to Inter Milan - but has backed Chelsea's decision to let him walk. The former England forward said: "He is taking the easy option going back to Inter Milan.
"He could have stayed and said: 'I'll show you.' But this league it too hard for some players. They decide they would rather earn their money playing in a league where it's an absolute doddle. Lukaku will not be playing against top-drawer centre halves at bottom of the table teams in Italy is he?
