Chelsea are not planning on making a bid for Sevilla defender Jule Kounde this summer, despite holding a longstanding interest in the Frenchman dating back over a year, according to reports in Spain, with Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt a priority instead.
That is according to Spanish journalist Gerard Romero, who claims that the Blues have cooled their interest in the Sevilla man, with two centre-backs thought to be ahead of the 23-year-old in the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.
It seemed as though a deal to bring Kounde to Chelsea was on last summer, but Kurt Zouma’s unwillingness to move to Sevilla put the brakes on a part-exchange deal, and Tuchel’s side ultimately did not activate the release clause of the defender.
Meanwhile, Juventus and Netherlands centre-back De Ligt is reportedly ready to leave Turin this summer, with no suggestion that he will sign a new deal with the Old Lady unless it includes a lower release clause than his current one.
Matthijs de Ligt could be on the move this summer. (Photo by VI Images via Getty Images)
And should he be keen for an exit, Thomas Tuchel is keen to ensure that Chelsea head the queue for the defender.
Tuchel promised up to six signings
Meanwhile, The Telegraph report that Chelsea’s boss will be backed to the tune of up to six new signings this summer, with the German set to have added control over transfers following the departure of Marina Granovskaia.
They are thought to be chasing two centre-backs, as well as cover at right wing-back, where Lens defender Jonathan Clauss is one of those thought to be on their radar, though they may face competition from London rivals Tottenham.
Chelsea also want to restructure their frontline following the return of Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan, with Gabriel Jesus, Ousmane Dembele and Richarlison all options for the Blues, though Arsenal currently lead the way for Jesus.
Gabriel Jesus is a player Chelsea are keen on, but Arsenal are thought to be in the driving seat for the Brazilian (Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
The report suggests that Tuchel has been handed a war chest of £200m to spend this summer, something that could be boosted by additional departures.
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