Chelsea star ‘threatens to block Jules Kounde transfer’ in Thomas Tuchel blow

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Kurt Zouma could scupper Chelsea’s chances of signing Jules Kounde – with the defender not keen on a move to Sevilla. The Blues are said to have offered Zouma as part of their £50million deal to sign the La Liga centre-back.

Chelsea are keen to sign Kounde, as Thomas Tuchel looks to strengthen his squad ahead of next season.

After winning the Champions League and finishing fourth in the Premier League last season, the German boss will be keen to seriously challenge for the title heading into the new campaign.

And Kounde, who went to Euro 2020 with France, is the player who he believes can take them to the next level.

Chelsea are said to have agreed personal terms with Kounde and the two clubs are now negotiating a fee for the 22-year-old.

However, according to the Daily Mail, Chelsea’s bid to include Zouma in any deal hasn’t gone down too well with the Frenchman.

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He is rumoured to want to stay in the Premier League and preferably in London. West Ham are reportedly interested in Zouma and that would be his preferred destination.

This could wreck Chelsea’s attempt to sign Kounde, however, it looks more likely that the Blues will either increase their bid or include another player in the negotiations.

ESPN’s Spanish football expert Sid Lowe has explained why Sevilla’s transfer model means they are happy to sell Kounde for the right price.

“This is the deal that Sevilla knew was coming, hoped would come,” Lowe told ESPN FC.

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“They turned down a big offer for Kounde last year, in part because they felt that they could wait a season in the hope he would continue to perform and his value would go up. Of course, Sevilla have made a virtue of sales.

“They’re one of the few clubs who have totally taken the drama out of losing their best players because they have a system and model that works.

“It not only works but demands that they sell their best players.

“It’s important for Kounde to go, it was important anyway because of their model, but off the back of the pandemic, it’s even more important.

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“So this is something Sevilla want to happen at the right price, it’s something they’re actively working towards, and if they can get somewhere close to €70m then yes, this will happen.”

And former Tottenham striker and Spanish football expert Terry Gibson is convinced that Kounde will be a success in the Premier League.

“He would be an excellent fit for anybody in the Premier League and it’s no surprise that Chelsea are trying to get him,” Gibson told talkSPORT.

“He’s a diminutive central defender, but he’s really good in the air. He’s quick, good on the ball, and can play centre-back and right-back as well.”

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