Chelsea are close to agreeing a fee with Sevilla for Jules Koundé but they could face competition for the French centre-back from Barcelona.
Thomas Tuchel focuses on defensive reinforcements after the arrival of Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli. Chelsea have targeted Koundé since last summer and are hopeful of buying him.
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Tuchel’s Defensive Plan
Tuchel is looking to bring in three centre-backs. Chelsea have missed out on signing Nathan Aké from Manchester City but have held talks with Paris Saint-Germain about Presnel Kimpembe. The Blues are also monitoring RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol. Kimpembe and Gvardiol would fill the left-sided centre-back role vacated by Antonio Rüdiger, who has joined Real Madrid.
Koundé, who is understood to have agreed personal terms with Chelsea, is a right-sided centre-back. He would be expected to replace Andreas Christensen after Dane’s move to Barcelona. It is believed Sevilla could accept €60m for Koundé, who can also play as a right-back or a right-wing-back. Chelsea could need to fight off interest in the France international from Barcelona. The Catalan giants already beat Tuchel’s side to the signing of Raphinha from Leeds.
Chelsea missed out on Koundé after failing to agree a fee with Sevilla last summer. If the 23-year-old moves to Stamford Bridge it could allow Tuchel to let César Azpilicueta leave. Barcelona wants the Chelsea captain. Chelsea’s owners want to back Tuchel. They strengthened the attack by buying Raheem Sterling from City in a deal worth up to £50m.
