Chelsea's interest in possible Jules Kounde partner that Virgil van Dijk once called 'excellent'

Who Should Chelsea Target As Their First Men's Summer Signing?

All you need to know about Arsenal transfer target Tielemans

Romelu Lukaku wants Inter Milan return

Leeds United's Raphinha moving to Arsenal is a realistic possibility

Roberto Martinez full of praise for Arsenal target Youri Tielemans

Mikel Arteta On Aaron Ramsdale Supporting Bernd Leno vs Aston Villa

All you need to know about Chelsea target Ousmane Dembele

Whether or not Jules Kounde eventually signs for Chelsea, the club may need to continue scouring the market for new centre-back options. With Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen both leaving the Blues recently, the centre of defence is a big priority for Thomas Tuchel.

Rudiger recently signed a four-year contract with Real Madrid after leaving Chelsea on a free transfer. Meanwhile, Christensen looks set to complete a move to Barcelona, with his contract at Stamford Bridge due to reach its expiration date at the end of the month.

So, Chelsea, from that point of view, have been forced into the transfer market this summer. If either of them have stayed, though, the general consensus was that Tuchel would have liked to add to his defensive options anyway.

Chelsea's main target is Kounde. The France international has already agreed personal terms with the west London club, but as of the time of writing, the Blues are yet to submit an official offer to Sevilla for their talented defender. Sources close to Kounde have told that Kounde relishes the challenge of the Premier League. The Frenchman has his heart set on a move to Stamford Bridge.

The right-footed defender would most likely take Christensen's place in the back three on the right-hand side. With rumours over Cesar Azpilicueta's future refusing to