Chelsea determined to sign French defender

Chelsea are focused on signing Sevilla defender Jules Kounde this summer, reputed journalist Fabrizio Romano claims.

The Blues have already agreed personal terms with the centre-back, and they are now in the progress of negotiating a fee.

They recently proposed a part-exchange agreement for the defender, but the offer was switfly rejected by the La Liga club.

Sevilla prefer a straight-cash deal for the Frenchman, and reports claim that they want a fee close to the £72 million release clause.

Talks are ongoing between the sides, and Romano claims that the Blues are determined to sign Kounde this summer.

The Blues would ideally prefer to lower the price tag for Kounde with a player moving in the opposite direction.

However, they are also prepared to negotiate a cash deal for him. They could be prepared to pay around £60 million.

Sevilla are under no pressure to sell, having recently balanced their books with the departure of Bryan Gil to Spurs.