Chelsea have found an alternative to Jules Kounde amid growing concerns that the Sevilla defender will snub the Blues and pen a deal at Barcelona. The 23-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge for some time now as Thomas Tuchel looks to bolster his defensive options.
football.london understands that the west Londoners are 'extremely confident' of landing the France international this summer, with the Spanish giants about to give up. But, it seems that Xavi's side are plotting another swoop for Kounde, casting fresh doubt as to whether Chelsea wins the race for his signature.
And, the biggest hint of all is Todd Boehly diverting his attention to RB Leipzig defender Nordi Mukiele. According to French outlet Foot Mercato, the Blues are trying to hijack Paris Saint-Germain's verbal agreement with the 24-year-old.
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It's said that the west Londoners jumped in before the versatile defender penned a deal at Les Parc des Princes. The report adds that Chelsea want to include Timo Werner as part of a deal for Mukiele, which could prove to become great leverage over PSG.
However, the French giants are still believed to be confident of landing the France international's services despite the Blues circling the situation. Mukiele sees his contract at the Red Bull Arena expires in June 2023; he's the all-encompassing modern defender who could be available for a shrewd fee.
He is subject to a £13million bid from PSG. He can operate anywhere across the backline, whether it be at wing-back, centre-half, left-back, in a back-five or back-four. Mukiele would be the ideal 'master-key' that can unlock any of Tuchel's problems at the back.
Still young with a bright future ahead, Chelsea could help sculpt the defender's positional pathway to their heart's content. And, Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann believes that Mukiele has 'incredible potential' and can one day rival Blues transfer target Benjamin Pavard for a place in France's first-team.
"I really like him, I have a great connection with him. I know how to handle him and take care of him. Nordi has incredible potential," said Nagelsmann, as quoted by the official Bundesliga website.
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