Transfer News: Chelsea look to hijack Tottenham Hotspur’s move for Jules Kounde
According to a report by Spanish outlet AS (h/t Daily Star), Chelsea are showing an interest in Tottenham Hotspur transfer target, Jules Kounde.
The 22-year-old French defender is the subject of interest from big clubs, including Spurs. The report mentions that the Lilywhites are leading the charge for the Sevilla man despite the Blues making an ‘important approach’.
However, it is believed that the former Girondins de Bordeaux centre-back is reluctant to join a team without Champions League football. Thomas Tuchel’s men finished in the top 4 on the last day of the Premier League season. (h/t Daily Star)
Spurs, on the other hand, paid the price for their collapse in the second half of the season as they finished 7th. That means we will play in the newly-found UEFA Europa Conference League.
London could be the next destination for Kounde
Nuno Espirito Santo can use someone like Kounde at the club. Toby Alderweireld, according to a report by The Athletic (Subscription Required) earlier this month, stated his desire to leave the club this summer.
With Jan Vertonghen already sold last summer, it seems like the right time for the club to build a new defensive backbone under their new manager.
Kounde also has plenty of top-flight experience already at such a young age, having played 158 senior games in his career already. He also impressed for a Sevilla side that finished 4th in La Liga, just 2 points behind third-placed Barcelona.
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If Champions League really is a preference for Kounde when it comes to picking his next club, then Spurs would be at a clear disadvantage, at least during this transfer window. But Daniel Levy and Fabio Paratici would be wise to at least pursue the move until they know it won’t happen for certain.