Sevilla defender and Chelsea transfer target Jules Kounde is planning to turn down the Blues' future 'financial offers' in order to force through a Barcelona move after Thomas Tuchel's attentions are reportedly now elsewhere with a certain Serie A star.
New owner Todd Boehly has been hard at work trying to get the wheels in motion for this blockbuster transfer window for a side who are due a huge squad revamp. Not only are key Chelsea stars wanting to leave for new challenges elsewhere but the incoming side of things is really starting to heat up now. In attack, key players like Raheem Sterling and Ousmane Dembele are two targets admired by manager Tuchel who has transfer aims all over the pitch that Boehly will be attending to in due course. The relationship between the pair is strong which can only spell good news for Chelsea supporters.
Without the key expertise of departing director Marina Granovskaia in the transfer market, new plans will be drawn up in her absence as the American looks to provide the German with exactly what he wants in this summer's transfer window. It was initially understood that Sevilla's Kounde was top of the priority list for the west Londoners but that list solely belonged to Granovskaia. In fact, Tuchel's eyes have always been set on Juventus' Matthijs de Ligt.
READ MORE: Matthijs de Ligt to Chelsea transfer: ‘Bid’ made, release clause revealed, Todd Boehly interest
Consequently, Boehly is in the process of trying to construct a swap deal with money on top involving new primary target De Ligt moving to London whilst out-of-favour forward Timo Werner could go the other way. What does this mean for Kounde?
With the 23-year-old slipping down the priority list for the current World Champions who are reportedly aiming to sign a new Premier League proven central defender this summer, it is beginning to look a bit gloomy for a player who has had ambitions to play in the English top-flight in the past. Spanish outlet Sport had reported that the Blues were no closer to matching the £58million price-tag that Sevilla had put on their star and their turn in attentions elsewhere has allowed Barcelona to seemingly swoop in.
This is because as per the same outlet, manager Xavi has taken matters into his own hands as he has reportedly held talks with the Les Bleus international with the defender in question now warming to the idea of staying in La Liga. The report even goes on to clarify that Kounde is even willing to reject external 'financial offers' from the likes of Chelsea as he is keen to get his future sorted promptly with pre-season just around the corner.
Kounde and Chelsea almost feels like a situation where two ships never met at the right time. Similarly to Mauricio Pochettino and Manchester United who never had that opportunity to link up to date despite all the interest in previous years.
Chelsea fans - Are you happy that Matthijs de Ligt now seems like the main priority over Jules Kounde and should both be signed by Todd Boehly or would that be a waste of money? Leave your thoughts down below in the comments section!
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