Former Arsenal and Chelsea defender William Gallas believes that Jules Kounde could be the perfect fit at Chelsea and could thrive under the stewardship of Thiago Silva in the Blues backline.
Thomas Tuchel desperately needs defensive additions to his squad following the departure of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen this summer, with Cesar Azpilicueta's future also in doubt due to interest from Barcelona. Kounde is one of a number of names on Chelsea's shortlist along with Nathan Ake and Matthijs de Ligt.
While the Blues are believed to have long held an agreement over personal terms with Kounde, news over a potential transfer has quietened since Todd Boehly became Chelsea's sporting director and Marina Granovskaia departed her role. Talks are advanced for Nathan Ake, however, as the Blues look to make their first transfers in time for them to take part in the pre-season tour of the USA.
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Raheem Sterling looks set to be Tuchel's first addition, but the need for defenders remains clear. The German coach has only Thiago Silva, Trevoh Chalobah and Levi Colwill to currently call upon, leaving the Brazilian as by far the most experienced player.
Gallas believes that Kounde could provide the perfect balance to the 37-year-old and that Chelsea's back three has an ideal space for the Sevilla ace.
The Frenchman told football.london in an interview conducted by Genting Casino: "I think Jules Kounde is a young player who has a lot of quality, and I think to play alongside Thiago Silva will be a benefit for him. He will learn from a top-class defender.
"When you play that position, what is very important, and some people don't understand it, when you are a young defender, and you have to play next to a player with a lot of experience, that defender is going to take a lot of pressure on his shoulders. In training and in the games, the young player will learn a lot, so that's why he's going to go to another level.
"I think if he can move to Chelsea, it will be great for him, and it will be great for Chelsea as well because Jules Kounde, and I know [Thomas] Tuchel like to play with three at the back, he will fit perfectly."
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