Chelsea close to another big money deal to sign Jules Kounde

Chelsea are very close to agreeing another big money deal for star defender Jules Kounde. The transfer fee is expected to be around €60-70 million. The French defender currently has a mouth-watering €80 million release clause.

According to ESPN, Sevilla are willing to drop their €80 million valuation of Kounde and settle for a lower price to let the Blues seal the deal and make a big money move before next summer.

The Spanish side are now reportedly willing to accept a €68 million transfer fee, though the defender still has two-and-a-half years on his contract.

The report says a summer move is more likely than in January, but Chelsea’s defensive requirements could be the main reason for its desire for a potential transfer to go through very soon.

Last year, Kounde revealed that his failed move to Chelsea last summer affected him in the aftermath.

The 23-year-old Sevilla star has been on Chelsea’s primary shortlist to strengthen their defense ever since they were crowned UEFA Champions League winners last year.

Kounde is now said to be keen on a move to Stamford Bridge and has reportedly agreed a contract of around four or five years in preparation for a transfer.

The French defender is hugely admired by Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel and he could be the long-term solution for the Blues who could see their leader Cesar Azpilicueta move on (he is heavily linked with a move to FC Barcelona).

Chelsea are currently in third place in the English Premier League and their poor run of form in December and January resulted in their slip from the title race. They now find themselves chasing elite clubs like Manchester City and Liverpool.

Could this expensive move help Chelsea end their EPL title drought?