Chelsea ready to utilise attacking midfielder in Jules Kounde deal

Chelsea are apparently able to include attacking midfielder Hakim Ziyech in a player-plus-cash deal to sign Sevilla centre- back Jules Kounde.

Thomas Tuchel is interested to sign another centre back this summer and has recognized the Frenchman as one of his main targets.

As indicated by Spanish media source AS, the Blues are not ready to meet Kounde’s £69m release clause, however are contemplating utilising Ziyech as a part of a deal to lure the 22-year-old away from Seville.

Hakim Ziyech only moved to Stamford Bridge the last summer from Ajax for around £37.8m, anyway the Moroccan attacker has failed to live up to expectations and has also battled with injuries all through this campaign.

The Morocco international, who has scored four goals and four assists in 29 appearances, is one of six players that Chelsea could use to entice Sevilla to part ways with their star defender.

Kepa Arrizabalaga and Cesar Azpilicueta just as Tammy Abraham, Michy Batshuayi and Tiemoue Bakayoko could also be offered to the La Liga outfit.

Jules Kounde, who has recently been connected with a move to Manchester City, Manchester United and Real Madrid, has made 41 appearances in all competitions so far this season and has played in a backline which has kept 14 clean sheets in La Liga, the joint-most in the division.