Chelsea have made Sevilla defender Jules Kounde their “priority” summer target after failing to close the deal last summer, according to Spanish publication Marca.
The report claims that the Blues have not given up on their pursuit of the 23-year-old and will return with another offer at the end of the season.
The west London club is reportedly confident that this time, they will not fail.
Kounde, the report added, is Chelsea’s number one target to reinforce “a defence that will undergo many changes”.
A recent report from The Telegraph also mentioned Chelsea’s interest in Kounde, as well as the club’s plans to back manager Thomas Tuchel with summer investment.
As it stands, Chelsea have plenty of right-sided centre-back options with Andreas Christensen, Cesar Azpilicueta, and Trevoh Chalobah all capable of playing in that position.
This, however, could soon change as both Christensen and Azpilicueta are in the final months of their contract at the club.
Kounde is also capable of playing as a right-back, although, Reece James is likely going to be the first-choice in this position in the next years.
The France international is under contract until 2024, but AS recently claimed that Sevilla are currently under financial pressure and will have to raise money from player sales in the summer.
Recent reports also suggest that Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are also interested in the defender and could enter the race to sign him, despite Chelsea’s being in pole position.
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