Kounde to Chelsea chance boosted by €17m Sevilla battle
Chelsea have reportedly agreed personal terms with Jules Kounde and Sevilla are said to be looking for a replacement.
The Frenchman is thought to be very keen on a move to Stamford Bridge, with the Blues offering him a five-year contract that he is ‘open’ to accepting.
Chelsea are yet to begin talks with Julen Lopetegui’s side, but there’s belief discussions will soon take place over a transfer of around £50million.
Tottenham identified Kounde as a “top target” earlier this summer, but Spanish outlet AS claimed that he was never keen on a move to the north London club.
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Kounde is keen to carry on playing in the Champions League, meaning a move to Tottenham does not “seduce” him.
Sevilla are willing to part with one of their top assets and are now looking at Schalke centre-back Ozan Kabak as his replacement, according to SportBild (via Sport Witness).
The report claims the La Liga side have ‘given the signal’ to Schalke that they ‘want to pay €17m’ to land Kabak.
And that’s an offer Schalke ‘can hardly refuse’, given their need to balance the books.
Leicester and Crystal Palace are also interested in the Turkey international, but the report states that neither of them are ready to offer a ‘similar sum as Sevilla’.
Chelsea’s potential deal for Kounde may not hinge on Sevilla signing Kabak, but it’s likely Lopetegui will want a replacement lined up.
The Blues’ interest in Kounde appeared to come from nowhere, whereas their interest in Erling Haaland has been clear for all to see.
They are said to have made a £130million bid for the Norwegian, who opened up on the speculation on Tuesday.
He said: “I don’t really have much to say about this,” Haaland said. “I have three years left on my contract and I’m enjoying my time here (at Dortmund).
“Before yesterday, I didn’t speak to my agent in one month – I think you have the answer there.
“I don’t really care too much about that. It’s a lot of money – I hope it’s just rumours to be honest because that’s a lot of money for a person!”
