Sevilla send Todd Boehly key Jules Kounde transfer message as Chelsea make £60m decision

One centre back down and still more to come. Chelsea aren't slowing down, Todd Boehly isn't slowing down and neither is Thomas Tuchel. If anything, the demands have just gotten higher.

The Blues first two signings of the summer have arrived and slotted into training seamlessly, preseason preparation is going full pelt, and so is the new co-owner. Boehly is still on a mission to bring in more key targets and improve his new side, Tuchel is just as desperate.

After losing Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen on free contracts this window already, the solid backline that Tuchel has relied on in his time at Stamford Bridge has slowly been moved on, especially as Cesar Azpilicueta could leave the club as well.

Kalidou Koulibaly has offered a start to the defensive rebuild but understands that he is just the start. Presnel Kimpembe is a sought-after player, but so too is Jules Kounde, and despite the expected price of the French duo, Boehly and Tuchel aren't being put off yet.

As a formal offer is expected to be submitted from Chelsea this week, they have now been given their clearest message from Sevilla in relation to Kounde. As the relationship from last year is attempted to be saved between the clubs, it is now a straight shootout for the player as once again Barcelona have entered proceedings.

The Spanish club have already beaten Tuchel to signing Raphinha, Ousmane Dembele and Robert Lewandowski, as well as securing Christensen. They are no in for Kounde, but with Chelsea holding the historic interest and personal terms not expected to be an issue, the turning point to the deal comes from the value of the transfer.

Ben Jacobs has reported that Sevilla are "holding out for €60m+ (£50.9m) for Jules Kounde," whilst