ESPN pundit Stewart Robson claims Sevilla defender Jules Kounde would be a superb signing for Chelsea this summer.
France international Kounde, 23, is at the centre of frantic transfer speculation in this window.
The centre-back’s been left out of Sevilla’s pre-season squad today, so perhaps everyone is getting closer to finding out the player’s future ahead of the new season.
It’s been reported Chelsea are confident of signing Kounde after their £55million bid, but there’s still competition from Barcelona for his signature.
Kounde superb for Chelsea
ESPN’s Robson has given a glowing assessment when talking about the skillset of Kounde, who has had three impressive seasons as a Sevilla player.
He’s convinced the La Liga centre-half could be a great fit at Stamford Bridge if Chelsea win the race to get him.
“I think he’s an excellent player, particularly if Thomas Tuchel wants to play with a three at times,” Robson told ESPN.
“He’s got a good spring. He’s quick. He’s happy to go out into wide areas and play as a full-back if he has to. He reads situations. He’s aggressive. He can come out with the ball.
“I think he’s a very good signing for Chelsea.”
Azpilicueta replacement?
Yes, Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta is still on the club’s books and is participating in pre-season. However, the 32-year-old’s linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge.
Azpilicueta, who’s been a superb defender over the years covering both centre-back and right-back, would leave a sizeable void in the group.
Chelsea target Kounde is a similar player in the sense he can also cover central and wide defensive roles, too.
It’s easy to imagine the Frenchman slotting into a right-sided centre-back role in the back three.
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