Deal Close: Chelsea leading the race to sign Sevilla defender this summer

Chelsea have supposedly entered advanced discussions with Sevilla over a deal for Jules Kounde.

The young defender has effectively scooped one Europa League crown with Julen Lopetegui’s side and was rewarded for his amazing 2020-21 season with a spot in France’s Euro 2020 squad.

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have both been connected with a move for Jules Kounde, however the Premier League giants are evidently settling in on a negotiation for Raphael Varane, while Spurs can’t offer the 22-year-old Champions League football.

As indicated by move insider Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have entered ‘advanced’ discussiona with Sevilla over a deal for Kounde, who has effectively agreed personal terms with the Champions League winner.

Romano adds that 22-year-old would sign a deal pen with Chelsea until 2026 should an agreement with Sevilla be reached, and Kurt Zouma could head the other way as part of a player-plus cash deal.

The France international has made 89 appearances in the course of the last two seasons for Sevilla since arriving from Bordeaux, scoring six goals in that time.