Chelsea in advanced negotiations with Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde. It appears the London giants have reached an agreement-in-principle to add France international, who is prepared to move to Chelsea in this transfer window.
However, the Blues may face difficulties finding an agreement with the Spanish club over the valuation of the transfer. Chelsea currently believe that the La Liga giants are demanding too much, unwilling to match their asking price of nearly €80m.
The London club has tried to reduce the price by offering Kurt Zouma a player plus cash deal. But the French defender is not too keen on joining the Spanish club and is being targeted by Premier League rivals West Ham United this transfer window.
Reports suggest that the La Liga giants are now asking the Blues to include two footballers in Marcos Alonso and Malang Sarr.
Nothing has progressed on that front, though, and one could wonder that Chelsea might be reluctant to let Malang Sarr leave, having just added the defender last summer on a free transfer.
Nevertheless, Jules’ willingness to arrive at the London club this transfer window is a positive sign for the Blues, as Chelsea can still realistically crop up funds to sanction the agreement.
Despite selling Giroud, Tomori and Moses, the London club have many unwanted footballers who are set to be shown the exit door by the German tactician this transfer window.
Barkley, for one, is reportedly a target for Newcastle this transfer window, as a possible alternative for top target Joe Willock.
The likes of Bakayoko, Loftus-Cheek and Hudson-Odoi can fetch a considerable amount of sum on the market as well, making it easier for the Blues to fund a move for the 22-year-old centre-back.
However, it is clear that Chelsea may struggle to eliminate all of them, considering the current financial climate.
It essentially entails that the Blues may even need to offload one of their bigger footballers, with Ziyech, in particular, emerging as a crucial contender amid Atletico Madrid interest, according to Caughtoffside. Moreover, Chelsea are actively trying to strike a deal with Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku.
Belgium international is valued at a whopping €120m, which could force the London club to further thin out their squad or possibly cede the pursuit of the French defender altogether.
However, it remains to be seen if the Blues can do anything to bring down the €80m valuation or if they are forced to pay the whole sum if they launch the offensive for Kounde.
