Tottenham Hotspur face an uphill fight to sign reported target Jules Kounde, as 90min note the Sevilla defender has an ‘unwavering’ desire to join Chelsea with the Blues eying a deal.
The Stamford Bridge hierarchy still covet Kounde’s arrival in London after failing to agree to terms last summer. Chelsea believed Sevilla had agreed to sell the France international for a cut-price fee, only for the La Liga outfit to increase their valuation at the eleventh-hour.
Sevilla’s sudden change in stance convinced Chelsea to pull the plug on Kounde’s transfer. But Blues chiefs still believe the 23-year-old is the outstanding choice to improve Thomas Tuchel’s centre-back options. They also believe Kounde will join at some stage this year.
Chelsea have weighed up moves for Bayern Munich star Niklas Sule and Pau Torres from Villarreal. But they prefer Kounde, and will aim to steal a march on any rival suitor soon.
Kounde is also unwavering in his desire to join Chelsea and has informed Sevilla he wants to complete a transfer. Los Nervionenses’ valuation is likely to block a January deal, though. So, the Blues hope to agree to terms before the summer market opens to secure his arrival.
Chelsea to deal Tottenham transfer blow with plans for Sevilla’s Kounde
Sevilla denied Chelsea a transfer last summer as they demanded they paid Kounde’s £68m release clause, per the Evening Standard. He has since helped to keep eight clean sheets in 16 La Liga outings. But could not prevent their Champions League exit in the group stage.
The seven-cap international also told Telefoot in November: “Has my failed transfer to Chelsea this summer affected me? Yes, a little bit, but now it’s digested.”
Kounde’s desire to join Chelsea has not faded, however, in a blow to Tottenham’s aim for a transfer with Sevilla. ABC Sevilla reported last month that Spurs plan to revive their interest in the Frenchman during January after Fabio Paratici failed to complete a deal last summer.
Tottenham could again struggle to convince Kounde to leave Sevilla and overlook ongoing interest from Chelsea for a transfer. They will also likely have to pay his £68m break clause.
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