Jules Kounde finally looks set to seal a move to Chelsea from Sevilla this summer.
The defender has been strong linked to the Blues for a while now following an attempted move last summer. However, fast forward a year and the decision to dither and try and pursue other options before the 23-year-old has meant that other clubs have looked into this situation.
Barcelona are rumoured to be at the front of the queue ahead of Spurs, PSG and Real Madrid respectively but it seems as though the current favourites are Chelsea.
READ MORE: Chelsea news: Jules Kounde's transfer 'hint' as Blues look to embrace new model
Alongside reports rounds on Tuesday evening with some even stating that an agreement was 'done', football.london understands that these claims are a little pre-mature with talks expected to advance further ahead of a potential agreement being struck before Thursday.
It is understood that a fee in the region of £50million plus add-ons can be settled on as there is a need now on both Sevilla's and Chelsea's behalf to get a deal done as quickly as possible. With personal terms agreed a while ago, the fee is the only stumbling block currently alongside the threat of Barcelona, who themselves are set to get a further cash injection with another 'economic lever' which is expected to be activated this week.
Bids from Chelsea for both Kounde and Paris Saint-Germain's Presnel Kimpembe are expected this week, though whether a deal can be agreed for the latter remains to be seen. Meanwhile, Sevilla needs the money from a sale of Kounde to help balance their books to satisfy La Liga's own financial fair play measures.
On top of this, with Julen Lopetegui's side flying out to Portugal this Thursday ahead of their pre-season encounter against Arsenal at the weekend, it is understood that the club want a deal done before this date with Kounde's heart no longer in Seville, as per Marca.
READ NEXT
Thomas Tuchel sent brutal Jules Kounde transfer message as Chelsea prepare double bid
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest updates and rumours from Stamford Bridge
Full Chelsea Premier League fixture list for 2022/23
Jules Kounde's revealing interview could match Thomas Tuchel's Chelsea dream transfer profile
Chelsea close in on Jules Kounde as Barcelona 'speed up negotiations' for Cesar Azpilicueta