According to The Sun, Jules Kounde is now desperate to join Chelsea, despite interest from Premier League rivals Tottenham and Newcastle.
What’s the story?
Well, this is a big blow for Antonio Conte and Eddie Howe.
The Sun believe Kounde is determined to join Chelsea and become the leader of their defence, with Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta all set to leave.
Marcos Alonso could also be departing Stamford Bridge.
Kounde is convinced he will be a regular starter, and after Todd Boehly was given the green light to take over from Roman Abramovich, Chelsea are free to sign the France international.
Interestingly, the £69,000-a-week defender was the subject of a £59m bid from Newcastle in January, and as aforesaid, the Magpies remain interested.
As do Tottenham, who had agreed a deal with Sevilla for Kounde in 2021, only for the player himself to turn Spurs down.
In 44 appearances this season, the 23-year-old scored three goals, while also providing one assist.
Tottenham & Newcastle can complicate things for Chelsea
While Kounde is clearly keen on a move to Stamford Bridge, Tottenham and Newcastle can still have a say in the deal, as the defender has a £66m release clause.
If that is triggered by Spurs and the Magpies, then they can go straight to discussions over personal terms with Kounde, which is where Chelsea would surely prefer to have no interference.
As we all know, Newcastle are now one of the richest sides on the planet, so they could surely compete with Chelsea when it comes to offering astronomical wages.
As much as Kounde can see himself at Chelsea, money talks.
Should Newcastle offer him a dizzying sum, it’s possible that the Frenchman changes his mind.
Whatever happens, be sure to keep an eye on this saga, as the Sevilla No.23’s next club could soon be revealed.
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