MY ACCOUNT
One of football’s longest running transfer sagas is poised to end with Chelsea finally closing in on Sevilla defender Jules Kounde.
The Blues have been linked with the Frenchman, 23, for over a year but a combination of off-field issues have stalled negotiations.
Kalidou Koulibaly’s arrival from Napoli last week hinted that the West Londoners may have moved on from their initial top target — but Spanish outlet Sport claim otherwise.
They suggest an initial bid of £47million has been lodged in recent days and while the LaLiga outfit want more, an agreement is likely to be reached soon.
Kounde himself is said to be extremely keen on a Stamford Bridge switch and has already hammered out personal terms with club chiefs.
Should a deal be reached, he would become the Blues’ third capture in quick succession after Koulibaly and Raheem Sterling joined last week.
Barcelona have also been tipped with an interest in Kounde but the Catalans may have to consider cheaper alternatives after splashing the cash elsewhere.
One face who could fit the bill is Chelsea’s skipper, Cesar Azpilicueta.
Despite the one-year extension to the experienced Spaniard’s Blues deal in March, Kounde’s arrival would see him drop further down the pecking order.
Now aged 32, Azpilicueta’s priority is to play as much as possible and a low-cost switch to the Blaugrana could soon become a logical move for all parties.
In other news
Aaron Ramsey has almost reached an agreement with Juventus to terminate his contract one year early, according to the Daily Mail.
Reports in France claim Lyon have reduced their £34m asking price for Arsenal target Lucas Paqueta.
The Mirror claim Chelsea want to get rid of Ross Barkley before the transfer window ends, with the midfielder’s former clubs Everton and Aston Villa having both been alerted to his availability.
