Sevilla concerned over £56m Chelsea deal for Jules Kounde as La Liga club 'must sell' players

The Blues have been heavily linked with a move for the defender over the past year

Sevilla are said to be “uneasy” with Chelsea’s lack of progress over a move for Jules Kounde this summer, according to reports. The Frenchman has been a long-term target for the Blues, though a transfer is yet to materialise.

It comes as Thomas Tuchel plans the huge task of refreshing his squad over the course of the transfer window. The loss of defensive duo Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger leave a void at the back that will have to be addressed.

However, with new owner Todd Boehly at the helm, reports have suggested that the German coach will be given more than £200million to strengthen with. The American businessman is also taking charge of all transfer talks until a new sporting director is appointed.

In light of those changes at the club, a number of high-profile players have been linked with a switch to west London, though the Blues are yet to announce their first signing. Among those named in the defence are Matthijs de Ligt, Nathan Ake and Kounde.

The latter has been a long-term target for Chelsea, with the summer offering a perfect opportunity to finally land him. However, according to Marca, the lack of activity in his pursuit by the club have left Sevilla feeling “uneasy”.

The 23-year-old is said to be available for €65million (£56million), with the Spanish side needing a player sale to be able to fund their own summer plans. But the Blues are yet to fully pursue a move so far.

While this could represent a blow to Tuchel, should he miss out on the defender, their other options and Sevilla’s need to sell may be part of a wider negotiation game. Should the La Liga side blink first, Chelsea could land their man for a fraction of the current asking price.