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Chelsea have been warned over Jules Kounde's height as the Blues prepare to make an official offer to Sevilla. understands that Chelsea are ready to launch bids for both Kounde and Paris Saint-Germain defender Presnel Kimpembe.

The Blues confirmed the signing of Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli last week in what was the club's first defensive addition of the summer transfer window. Despite the Senegal defender coming to Stamford Bridge, Thomas Tuchel still wants to bring another two centre-backs to the club.

Matthijs de Ligt looks set to sign for Bayern Munich despite interest from Chelsea, while Nathan Ake is expected to stay with Manchester City. Kounde and Kimpembe, both France internationals, have now been identified as the men to bolster Tuchel's defensive options.

Chelsea already have a verbal agreement in place with Kounde from earlier in the summer. However, negotiations with Sevilla – who have already proven their stubbornness in transfer-related talks – could prove to be an issue.

Last month, spoke to Spanish football expert Sid Lowe about Kounde's credentials and what he could bring to Chelsea. "I think Kounde is a wonderful footballer," Lowe said in June. "You get a defender who reads the game well, who's good at the defensive stuff as well.

"Part of the issue might be how exactly you want to satisfy him because he wants to play the game. He sometimes has this – what appears to be – a free role from centre-back.

"He loves to come out, he uses the ball