Chelsea: £68m beast now 'keen' on Stamford Bridge move

Sevilla defender Jules Kounde is keen on a move to Chelsea this summer, according to Daily Star journalist Paul Brown.

The Blues failed to sign the 23-year-old last summer, but Brown says his representatives have made it clear that he still wants to join Thomas Tuchel’s side.

According to 90min, Chelsea are determined to sign Kounde and will look to bring him to Stamford Bridge in the upcoming transfer window.

This comes after their failure to land the centre-back last year, with Sevilla sporting director Monchi confirming that the Spanish side turned down an offer from the west London club.

Kounde is reported to have a £68m release clause in his contract, so that is the price Chelsea could end up having to pay this summer if negotiations with Sevilla do not go to plan once again.

The Frenchman remains an important part of Julen Lopetegui’s squad, making 40 appearances in all competitions this season. With that in mind, it would not be a surprise if the Rojiblancos continued to play hardball.

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Brown has told GIVEMESPORT that there is a deal to be done once Chelsea’s takeover is completed and the sanctions placed on the European champions are lifted.

Speaking to GMS, the Daily Star reporter said: “I suspect that the takeover will happen and will be cleared and sanctions will be lifted, so the club will be able to sign [players]. And I suspect they’ll sign Kounde because they came close to him before.

“His representatives have made it clear to Chelsea that he’s keen to join them, and I think there’s a deal to be done there.”

Once Chelsea are free to sign players again, Kounde quite clearly has to be a priority for them.

The Premier