In a recent report, Super Deporte mentioned that Chelsea are leading the race to recruit Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde. It is understood that the Blues are ahead of Tottenham and Manchester United in the chase to land the French defender who is being at around €70m this summer.
Kounde’s Growing Influence At The Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium
Kounde has enjoyed a decent run of form for Julen Lopetegui’s side during this campaign after performing at a high level at the centre of Sevilla’s backline. The 23-year-old has registered one goal and one assist in 27 matches for the Andalusian outfit this season across all fronts.
The French centre-half has given a good account of himself on the defensive end of the field by averaging 0.9 tackles, 0.7 interceptions and 2.7 clearances per game in La Liga. He has even been tidy when distributing possession from the back after making 88.8% of his attempted passes in top-flight football (stats via whoscored).
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What Will Kounde Bring To Chelsea?
Kounde has been a rock at the back for Sevilla this season as he is usually quick to sense the danger and can make some important interceptions inside his half. The French defensive ace doesn’t take too many risks when clearing his lines and is an accurate passer of the ball from the back. He ticks all the right boxes in terms of what Thomas Tuchel wants from his central defenders.
We can expect Kounde to bring a lot of quality to Chelsea‘s defensive department as long as he can make a smooth transition to life in English football. Furthermore, he could go on to form a solid defensive partnership with Thiago Silva at the West London club next season. The reigning European champions have got the financial resources to pull off a big-money transfer for Kounde.
Thus, Tuchel would be wise to orchestrate a move to acquire the signature of the seven-time France international as he has what it takes to become a future star at Stamford Bridge. Recruiting Kounde could help the Blues bridge the gap to Manchester City and Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table in the coming seasons.
