Chelsea have reignited their interest in Sevilla star Jules Koundé after failing to sign Manchester City’s Nathan Aké.
Sport explain the La Liga side, who are in a ‘hurry’ to sell, want €65m for the defender and he wants to sort out his future ‘as soon as possible’.
Barcelona are interested in the 23-year-old, but will not be able to meet the price tag set by Sevilla. That doesn’t mean they will give up on this deal.
In fact, they have accelerated their efforts after Chelsea ‘reopened talks’ for the centre-back. Despite the Blues’ latest step, the player’s priority is to join the Catalan club.
He is in permanent contact with Xavi Hernández and the Barca manager has asked Koundé to wait for a few weeks for the Spanish giants to complete his signing.
The France international underwent surgery last month and Barcelona have now been informed he will be able to start the season without any concerns.
Another newspaper, ABC Sevilla, discuss Chelsea and Barcelona’s interest in Koundé. They state next week will be the ‘key’ for the ex-Bordeaux man’s sale and there should be more clarity in the coming days.
With regards to Thomas Tuchel’s side, the report explains they have ‘intensified contacts’ with Sevilla for the Frenchman.
Barca included Koundé in their priority target list, and have ‘already discussed everything’ with him, likely to do with his personal terms. It is not clear whether the Camp Nou side will ask him to convince his club to lower the asking price.
Julen Lopetegui’s side, down their end, would prefer a bidding war so that they can sell their star to the highest bidder.
With Sevilla in a ‘hurry’ to sell the defender, Chelsea reopening talks to sign him will come as a welcome boost. It needs to be seen now whether the Blues will make an offer for Koundé.
