Chelsea close to landing La Liga defender

Chelsea are close to finalising the transfer of Jules Kounde from Sevilla.

The Blues have identified the Frenchman as their top defensive target, and they are now close to signing him.

The club recently recouped funds from player sales, and they have now made a formal approach for his services.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, the Blues are likely to pay an initial £43m to sign the France international.

Kounde has already agreed personal terms over a five-year contract, and he could join in the next 48 hours.

He is expected to act as the replacement for Kurt Zouma, who will make the move to West Ham United.

The Frenchman was offered in a swap deal for Kounde, but the La Liga outfit rejected the proposal.

Zouma has ended up choosing the Hammers. He is currently undergoing his medical with the east London club.

Kounde is set to become the Blues' third summer signing after Marcus Bettinelli and Romelu Lukaku.