Chelsea close to landing French defender

Chelsea are reportedly close to landing the services of Jules Kounde from Sevilla this summer.

The Blues have already signed one central defender in Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli, but they are eyeing more reinforcements.'

Kounde was a top target of theirs during last summer's transfer window, and they have now made a fresh approach for him.

According to Gianluca di Marzio, they have proposed around €55m plus add-ons for Kounde, and are confident of signing him.

Sevilla are also discussing his transfer with Barcelona, but the La Liga giants are not in a position to pay a big fee up front.

The Catalan giants have spent over €100m to land Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, and now need to recoup funds from sales.

They are not allowed to register signings until they lower their wage bill and this has put Chelsea in the front seat to land Kounde.

Kounde agreed personal terms with the Blues last summer, and they should not find it difficult to convince him over a transfer.