A recent report suggests that Chelsea have lined up some potential alternatives for Sevilla defender, Jules Kounde.
Chelsea linked with Kounde
For those who do not know, Chelsea have been linked with a move for Sevilla stopper Jules Kounde for some time now.
The links to the Frenchman emerged back in July, which is also when personal terms are understood to have been agreed between the parties:
EXCL. Jules Koundé deal update: Chelsea are in advanced talks with Sevilla and Kurt Zouma could be included in the negotiation. Possible swap deal to go through in the next hours/days with Zouma + money for Koundé to Chelsea. ? #CFC
Personal terms agreed for Koundé until 2026.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 27, 2021
However, no deal was ultimately forthcoming during the summer, with reports late in August hinting that Sevilla demanded more cash than Chelsea were willing to pay.
Chelsea eye Jules Kounde alternatives
Ahead of the winter window, though, Chelsea’s links to Kounde have once again re-emerged.
As reported by ESPN recently, Chelsea are still pursuing the Frenchman, with a move in January said to be not off the table.
Crucially, the report adds that Sevilla are willing to drop their €80m valuation of Kounde which, as reported above, seemed to be the main stumbling block during the summer.
Should Chelsea not land Jules Kounde, though, it appears as though the west Londoners have lined up a couple of alternatives to the stopper.
The same piece from ESPN claims:
Tuchel and Chelsea’s recruitment team have their eye on other options in case they cannot land Kounde, sources said. Sven Botman, the Netherlands internatiomal at Lille, as well as Wolfsburg’s Maxence Lacroix are also targets
