Jules Kounde is a priority target for Chelsea this summer with the Blues in desperate need to strengthen their defence. Reports have suggested that Marina Granovskaia is pushing for the move and her strong connection with the Frenchman's agents should help with proceedings.
The Sevilla defender almost signed for the club last summer, but there were disagreements over an eventual fee for the now 23-year-old. Chelsea were unwilling to trigger Kounde's release clause of £68million and instead opted to head into the 2021/22 campaign with what they already had on their books.
Two of those options were Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen. The former of those has left on a free transfer to Real Madrid, whilst the latter's Bosman move to Barcelona is expected to be confirmed in the coming days and weeks.
READ MORE: Chelsea must resolve key issues before embarking on crucial summer transfer window mission
With Chelsea needing to sign at least two centre-backs to replace them, Kounde remains top of their wish list. Nathan Gissing, who interns for Gianluca Di Marzio, reported on Twitter that Granovskaia, who shares a strong connection with Kounde's agent, is determined to sign the defender.
Kounde revealed to be a priority target
Kounde himself has remained invested in a move to Stamford Bridge and football.london understands he is keen to step up to the challenge of the English game – at 5ft 10ins, the Frenchman wouldn't possess the traditional physical profile of a Premier League centre-back.
Verbal terms over a contract have long been agreed upon with Kounde; his move solely depends on Chelsea coming to an agreement with Sevilla over a fee. That hasn't happened – perhaps because the centre-back had to undergo surgery on Tuesday on a minor pelvis injury sustained early into last season.
Whether the Blues can get a deal over the line remains to be seen, but the signs are good and Granovskaia will be quietly confident that she can help to secure a move before the start of the new season.
