Jules Kounde is still the 'number one' target for Chelsea

Sevilla defender Jules Kounde remains the ‘number one’ transfer target for Chelsea ahead of the summer transfer window, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Blues are expected to strengthen their backline when the market re-opens, while several existing options could depart the club as free agents.

Chelsea could see Cesar Azpilicueta, Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen walk out of the Stamford Bridge exit door after the trio all entered the final five months of their contracts.

And with renewals still yet to be signed for the highly-rated centre-backs, it seems manager Thomas Tuchel has already turned his attention to who could come in as their replacements.

According to The Sun, Chelsea moved for Kounde last summer but were unable to agree a fee with Sevilla, who wanted the European champions to pay his £68.5 million release clause.

Nevertheless, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano recently revealed that the highly-rated 23-year-old remains the capital club’s ‘top target’ ahead of next season.

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Kounde has previously admitted in an interview with French television channel TF1 that his failed switch to Chelsea affected his form ‘a little bit’ yet he has remained an important player for Julen Lopetegui’s charges.

Jones revealed that he has faith that the west London outfit will still be able to get this deal done despite its protracted nature.

He told GiveMeSport: “I think Jules Kounde is obviously going to be the number one that they’re after right now, and I think that’ll still get done.”

Since arriving at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium from boyhood club Bordeaux back in 2019, Kounde has established himself as one of European football’s most