Chelsea lining up first signing of Todd Boehly era with initial £50m offer imminent

Chelsea’s imminent takeover will prompt another approach for Sevilla star Jules Kounde, according to a report in Spain.

Outgoing owner Roman Abramovich has said it has been an “honour of a lifetime” to be part of Chelsea as he prepares to hand over the reins to Todd Boehly.

The Premier League club confirmed in a statement on Saturday that US businessman Boehly will take over in a £4.25bn deal, which should be ratified on Monday.

That will be the green light that Thomas Tuchel needs to start formulating his squad for next season. And with Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen departing on free transfers, a centre-back will be his priority.

Chelsea officials are said to have “officially contacted” Sevilla to inform them of their intentions surrounding Kounde.

Tuchel will “resume negotiations” next week for the France centre-back less than a year after a deal to sign the player collapsed.

ABC Sevilla, via Sport Witness report that Chelsea “will present an offer urgently” as they look to build a spine for 2022/23.

That next step will need to come from the Premier League side with Sevilla waiting for an official offer.

LaLiga side Sevilla are in a position of strength and Chelsea know that. They refused a sale for less than his £68.8m release clause and their stance will be likely be similar this summer.

Chelsea failed with a deal worth just £42m last summer. Sevilla instead insisted on payment of the release clause at the 11th hour.

The Telegraph claim Chelsea will go in with a £42m offer, with clauses which will raise it to around £50m.

AS on Friday stated the player had “already agreed terms” with Chelsea. While they also suggested a £51m fee would be enough to snare Kounde.

Those terms are said to have been verbally