I have to start this piece by giving some credit to my colleague Adam Newson.
Speaking on The Byline Podcast last week, Adam referenced the concern over Chelsea target Jules Kounde picking up an injury preventing the long-rumoured transfer from Sevilla from being completed. Alas, the worst did come to pass following France's final UEFA Nations League game against Croatia on Monday night.
Didier Deschamps confirmed after that the defender would undergo surgery on Tuesday to resolve a long-standing issue. This sparked panic amongst supporters. Is the deal doomed? Does this mean the club should move on to other targets?