CHELSEA have reportedly agreed personal terms with Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde on a deal until 2026.
It was claimed on Sunday how the Blues were preparing a bid for the 22-year-old who boasts a £68million release clause in his contract.
German gaffer Thomas Tuchel has made bringing in a defender a priority this summer, but knows he must offload a centre-half in order to sign one.
And it is understood that Kurt Zouma could be heading out of Stamford Bridge to join West Ham after they met his £26million asking price.
Commenting on the potential deals, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has revealed Chelsea just need to now agree a fee with Sevilla over Kounde.
He tweeted: “Jules Kounde has an agreement on personal terms with Chelsea until June 2026 since weeks.
“He’s ready to join if the two clubs reach an agreement but he’ll be respectful with Sevilla, not forcing his move.
“Zouma to West Ham, key to proceed. Talks ongoing on personal terms.”
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Before adding: “The agreement between West Ham and Chelsea for Kurt Zouma is not a problem.
“Chelsea are prepared to sell as they want to sign Kounde as priority. Spurs are not in the race.”
The Champions League holders have only made one major signing this summer in Romelu Lukaku for £97.5m.
But they have recouped a whopping £93m in player sales, with the club offloading the likes of Tammy Abraham [£34m], Fikayo Tomoro [£25m] and Marc Guehi [£18m].
And they stand to earn more should they sell Zouma, along with youngster Ike Ugbo, who has been linked with a move to Genk for £4m.
Meanwhile full-back Davide Zappacosta is set to join Serie A side Atalanta on a permanent deal after two loan spells away.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
