In a recent print edition, AS offered an update on Chelsea and their pursuit of Sevilla defender Jules Kounde. It has been mentioned that the French centre-back is open to sealing a move to Barcelona if the Blues do not manage to come to an agreement for him soon.
Kounde’s Impressive Form At The Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium
Kounde had a solid campaign at Sevilla last season when he was responsible for putting in a handful of dominant defensive displays for them at the back. The Frenchman made 44 appearances for the Andalusian side in the previous campaign, netting three goals and grabbing one assist across all fronts.
The 23-year-old was a solid presence for his current employers on the defensive third of the pitch based on his average of 1.3 tackles, 0.7 interceptions and 3.1 clearances per 90 minutes in La Liga. He was even tidy when distributing the ball from the back after completing 88.9% of his attempted passes in top-flight football (stats via whoscored).
Should Chelsea Boss Thomas Tuchel Step Up His Efforts To Land Kounde?
Kounde can be a rock at the back when he is playing at the top of his game. He is usually quick to spot the danger and can time his challenges well to secure the ball back for his team inside his half. The French talent doesn’t mind putting his foot through the ball when the opposition are looking to threaten his goal. He is even accurate when passing his way out from the back.
A centre-half of Kounde’s quality would be an excellent acquisition for the Blues, especially after they lost both Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen as free agents earlier this summer.
Kounde will undoubtedly strengthen Thomas Tuchel‘s defensive department at Stamford Bridge and could even help the West London club challenge for top honours once again in the coming seasons. Thus, Tuchel would be wise to step up his pursuit of the Sevilla star soon or else risk losing him to Barcelona during this summer transfer window.
