Chelsea are closing in on their latest big-name addition of the summer transfer window, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
Chelsea’s summer transfer business was delayed as a result of the change of ownership, but their transfer window exploded into life with the additions of Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly.
There remains work to be done in order to close the gap with Manchester City and Liverpool, but Todd Boehly is not hanging around in the market – he’s looking to get a third player through the door.
According to the ever-reliable Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are edging closer to striking a deal to sign long-term centre-back target and France international Jules Kounde from Sevilla.
Jules Koundé deal. Chelsea are now feeling confident as £55m bid was in line with Sevilla expectations, but still waiting for final green light. Thursday, key day. 🔵 #CFC
Deal until 2027 offered to Koundé.
No Barcelona bid, as of now – club still in contact with Koundé. pic.twitter.com/kHYOxTu5rS
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 21, 2022
There is the threat of late interest from Barcelona, who are expected to activate the second economic level in order to provide Xavi with further transfer funds to improve his own squad.
However, you get the impression that Kounde to Chelsea is now far enough down the pipeline to go through before Barcelona will be able to act, avoiding a repeat of Raphinha-gate.
Perhaps the key detail here is that Chelsea have agreed personal terms with Kounde in advance of striking a deal with Sevilla. They did things the other way round with Raphinha – we saw how that ended…
