Chelsea ‘continue to monitor Jules Kounde as they eye fresh move for Sevilla defender as early as January’ – with Blues boss Thomas Tuchel keen to bolster his defence after Spaniards held out for £68m in August
- Thomas Tuchel was unable to land his top target on transfer deadline day
- The 22-year-old was reportedly furious that Seville did not grant him a move
- Chelsea will monitor him ahead of a potential move in January or next summer
Chelsea could make a fresh move for Sevilla defender Jules Kounde with Thomas Tuchel keen to bolster his defensive options.
The German was unable to land his top defensive target on transfer deadline day but he remains a firm admirer of the French international, according to the Evening Standard.
Chelsea thought they were closing in on a deal for Kounde in the final days of the window but saw their hopes end when Sevilla insisted on his release clause of around £68million being met in full.
Chelsea will monitor Jules Kounde ahead of a potential move in January or next summer
The centre back was heavily linked with the Champions League winners throughout the summer transfer window and was reportedly furious that he was not granted a move to the west London club.
However, Sevilla manager Julen Lopetegui told Diario de Sevilla that Chelsea failed to meet their price tag.
‘Kounde in the end has stayed because the club has decided that it was the right thing to do based on the evaluation of the offers they may have had,’ Lopetegui said.
‘For me, as a coach, that Jules stays is positive. With the evolution he has had in these two years, it is positive, without any doubt.
The 22-year-old was reportedly furious that Seville did not grant him a move to west London
‘We trust that he’ll continue to grow with us and, above all, perform, which is the most important thing.’
A new central defender was near the top of Thomas Tuchel’s priorities, a desire that only grew with the departure of Kurt Zouma to West Ham for nearly £30million.
It appeared in late August that the two clubs had agreed a fee of £42.7m. However, Sevilla are said to have raised their asking price late in the day towards a figure similar to the player’s release clause of £67m, which Chelsea decided not to meet.
Thomas Tuchel was unable to land his top defensive target on transfer deadline day
Speaking on transfer deadline day, Monchi clarified the Kounde situation, saying: ‘The only written, formal offer from Chelsea came last Wednesday [August 25], around 5pm.
‘We weren’t satisfied with the offer and it was linked to Chelsea selling a player. It was a decent fee, but it didn’t meet our criteria.
‘We haven’t spoken with Chelsea since Friday night [August 27]. We all decided that it was best Jules didn’t travel to Elche [for Sevilla’s most recent game].
‘It’s normal for players to be affected by news of any kind. Last year he had the interest from City and now Chelsea this year.’
Monchi revealed on transfer deadline day that Chelsea had only made one bid for Kounde