The Athletic have reported that Arsenal Technical Director Edu made contact to sign Jules Kounde, who was desperate to move to Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea.
What’s the story?
It has been reported by The Athletic that Arsenal Technical Director Edu personally tried to sign defender Kounde from Sevilla in the summer transfer window.
The Brazilian made contact regarding a possible deal for the 22-year-old France international central defender.
Disappointment for Arsenal
As we now know, Arsenal could not sign Kounde. The defender is still at La Liga club Sevilla.
However, the Gunners need not feel too bad about it.
Why?
Firstly, because Arsenal did sign another promising young defender in Ben White from Brighton and Hove Albion.
Secondly, Kounde was actually desperate to move to Chelsea, and the 2021 Champions League winners were keen on the Frenchman as well.
As reported by talkSPORT, Chelsea offered £47 million for the defender, but Sevilla wanted his release clause of £68 million to be paid in full.
The report has added that the 2020 Europa League winner had his heart set on a move to Chelsea and is now furious with the Sevilla chiefs for not letting him join the Blues.
Kounde made 33 starts and one substitute appearance in La Liga, and made six starts and one substitute appearance in the Champions League for Sevilla last season.
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