Chelsea: Boehly could make 'big signing' in £68m star at Stamford Bridge

If Chelsea manage to bring Sevilla defender Jules Kounde to the club this summer, then it would be a ‘big signing’, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Blues have long been linked with the highly-rated 23-year-old and could finally bring him to the club when the transfer market reopens for business next month.

Kounde was the subject of intense interest from Chelsea around 12 months ago, but a potential deal collapsed when Sevilla refused to accept any offers below his £68 million release clause.

However, reports in Spain now claim that the Rojiblancos are willing to drop their asking price by £10m, while transfer guru Andreas Korssund has claimed that the centre-back has agreed personal terms with the Blues.

Chelsea are set to lose both Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen on free transfers when their contracts expire, meaning bolstering the heart of defence is a priority for manager Thomas Tuchel.

And with Todd Boehly’s consortium finally having its £4.25 billion takeover bid approved by the UK government, it may not take long to get the Kounde deal over the line as well.

O’Rourke believes the arrival of the France international is something Chelsea ‘need’ and also reckons he’s a player who they can ‘build their future around’.

Chelsea CLOSE to signing Jules Kounde! Hear more on The Football Terrace…

He told GiveMeSport: “I think it’d be a big signing; not too sure it’d be a massive statement signing. They need defenders, Chelsea, there’s no doubt about that, losing Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen is also set to leave.

“So, bringing in Kounde would be a big arrival for them to improve their defence, and he’s a player with huge potential, as we’ve seen for Sevilla and France and is someone that Chelsea