'On the verge': Chelsea are about to make 'new formal offers' for two players, but there's one concern - journalist
Journalist Dean Jones has claimed Chelsea are close to making official offers for Jules Kounde and Presnel Kimpembe.
The Blues are still in the market for two more centre-backs, adding to the signing of Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli.
Sevilla’s Kounde has been a player the club have been tracking for over a year now, having missed out on the deal last summer.
Meanwhile, Thomas Tuchel has been said to be intrigued by the idea of working with Kimpembe again, after the pair were together for a couple of seasons at PSG.
Jones told ‘The Done Deal Show’ that the Blues were preparing new offers to sign both, but there could be an issue blocking their path to signing Kounde, as Barcelona still could scupper their plans.
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Chelsea preparing offers for Kounde and Kimpembe
He said: “I think we’re in a position where by Chelsea are on the verge of making new formal offers for both. If I’m totally honest, I’d take Kimpembe over Kounde, but Kounde obviously is a guy they’ve tracked for such a long time. It would almost feel weird if he was to land anywhere else.
“Of course the other team we’re talking about is Barcelona, it’s always Barcelona. Are they going to stump up the money that Chelsea are refusing to stump up? Have they got that cash?
“Kounde’s going to be more than Kimpembe, probably ten million more, so that’s something to take into account, but I do believe Chelsea are looking at both these players and trying to move on with them both.”
Barcelona have been a thorn in Chelsea’s side all window, with them hijacking a move for Raphinha already despite the Blues agreeing a fee with Leeds United first.
With the Catalan side also securing a deal for Tuchel target Robert Lewandowski, missing out on Kounde as well would be a massive blow in Todd Boehly’s first window at the club.
But if Chelsea could land Kimpembe and Kounde, alongside Kalidou Koulibaly this summer, then their defence would look extremely strong heading into the new season.
