Weeks ago, it was expected that Chelsea would be able to swiftly complete a deal for long-term target Jules Kounde. Personal terms agreed already, and only Sevilla to once again negotiate, with more time having left things too late in the 2021 summer transfer window.
The wait started once again. It appeared wise after Kounde completed his international duties before going under the knife to resolve a long-term injury problem. He is expected to be once again fit in time for the forthcoming season, and there was no reason to suspect that Chelsea was unaware of the scenario or that it would be particularly problematic.
Progress and chatter did seem to significantly cool, however, and trails of thought suggested that the signing was one driven by the old regime and Marina Granovskaia. It's been suggested that Todd Boehly and Jorge Mendes did discuss the Frenchman in their meeting, with the super-agent having worked with Sevilla in the past.
