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.
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The uncertainty only increased with Barcelona's reported interest, with the feasibility of them being able to complete any transfers with pace is questionable. Sevilla transfer chief Monchi has now revealed that there has been no contact with the Catalan giants over the move. He has indicated his awareness of Chelsea's current position and noted that the Blues would face more comprehensive competition if they do hope to return for the defender.
Monchi told Onda Cero (via Mundo Deportivo): “Xavi has good taste wanting Araujo and Koundé as central defenders, it’s not a bad partnership. But so far, there has been zero contact with Barcelona. I know that Chelsea have to look for two central defenders, but the interest in Koundé comes from England and other countries. I would have to be a fortune teller to know what is going to happen,"
"There are calls from everywhere. The money is starting to roll in a bit. Koundé has established himself with France and will play at the World Cup. It's logical that there is interest in him, and there is. As of today, he is recovering from injury in Los Angeles and will join in Korea later, like the rest of the internationals."
Kounde is working with Fabrice Gautier in Beverly Hills, California, at LA Main Physical Therapy in his bid to be fit for the coming season. While he continues his recovery, the Blues may consider themselves to have time to deliberate, but Sevilla's trip to South Korea is not far away.
Chelsea target Matthijs de Ligt is now said to prefer a move to Bayern Munich, though Juventus' demands may prove problematic for the German side. That may not rule out the Blues from making the signing, but it sees the latest in a series of blows where dealings could be drawn out. Raphinha's preference for Barcelona has produced a thorn after Chelsea agreed a deal with Leeds United, while an approach for Nathan Ake only stands a chance of being successful if Manchester City already have a replacement.
The transfer market is proving problematic in a summer where the Blues would have hoped to move quickly to offer Thomas Tuchel his squad rebuild. Setbacks in the quest for defensive targets could see Kounde rise to the top of the pile again.
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