Chelsea look set to fly out of the traps in the summer transfer window once Todd Boehly's consortium complete the takeover. And, keen to make a statement signing to christen a new era at Stamford Bridge, groundwork has been put in place to sign Jules Kounde as soon as sanctions and the UK Government give the green light, according to Goal.
The 23-year-old has featured 31 times for Sevilla in La LIga this season, playing a significant role in the Spanish giants retaining the best defensive record in the league. His impressive displays have steered his side towards Champions League qualification, though not confirmed yet.
The Blues were linked with Kounde ahead of the season and were understood to have agreed a deal worth around £43 million, according to The Athletic. However, the subsequent sale of Kurt Zouma to West Ham reportedly saw Sevilla's sporting director, Monchi, increase the asking price to £69 million to which Chelsea then halted their pursuit.
READ MORE: Todd Boehly told to make £59m Chelsea transfer decision that narrows Man City and Liverpool gap
The France international's failed move to the Stamford Bridge watered the blossoming of Trevoh Chalobah, who has grown into an integral piece to Thomas Tuchel's puzzle this season. Though, in the meantime, it's believed that the Blues retained interest in Kounde.
But, the UK Government's decision to sanction Roman Abramovich saw the prospect of negotiating a deal with the defender hit an impasse. Chelsea's sporting licence set will expire on May 31, though the Evening Standard have clarified - despite last minute panic - Boehly's takeover has not been derailed and is on course to be completed by the aforementioned deadline.
Thinking ahead to the summer transfer window, Tuchel has stressed the importance of a rebuild this summer. Speaking to football.london, the Blues boss said: "We are rebuilding, not improving the squad. We are rebuilding. This is always challenging, but we are up for the challenge.
"I don't know where we are from day one. What I can promise is that I will be here – if I can promise that – I will be here with full energy and positive energy no matter what. We will still work for Chelsea, and I refuse to think of negative scenarios. We will be competitive, on which level we will see."
