Chelsea’s potential move for Jules Koundé is ‘far from clear’, and they ‘seem unwilling’ to match Sevilla’s demands for him at this moment in time.
That’s according to Sport, who say the Blues are refusing to go higher than the €55m they offered for the Frenchman last summer.
The newspaper reports that the soap opera around the defender could drag on for a few more weeks, particularly with Barcelona on the lookout and trying to strike a deal.
Chelsea have been maintaining a ‘fluid relationship’ with the player in recent months but understand that the price being demanded by Sevilla is out of the market.
They ‘would be willing’ to again offer the €55m they offered last summer, which was rejected by the Spanish side.
Koundé is Xavi’s priority for the centre-back position at the Camp Nou, yet Barcelona know that if Chelsea were to come in ‘with all their economic potential,’ there will be little they can do to stop them winning the race.
This is why they have taken advantage of the impasse in the negotiations to talk to Sevilla and try to work out a formula that suits all parties.
Sevilla are willing to negotiate as they cannot see a clear path for the player to join Chelsea at this moment in time.
Koundé has reiterated his desire to leave this summer after it was blocked last year, and there is a feeling he could become a problem in the dressing room if he doesn’t move.
Sevilla are happy to sell as his departure will provide them with income to make signings, and Barcelona believe the operation could mature next month, with Chelsea still refusing to up their offer by the €10m needed.
