Chelsea reportedly intend to secure a deal for Sevilla defender Jules Kounde before the start of the summer transfer window.
The Blues have a long-standing interest in the France international, the European champions only being denied an agreement last summer due to Sevilla insisting on Kounde's release clause being met in full.
However, the stance of the La Liga club, who are currently challenging for the league title, has weakened, with AS stating that there is a greater need to balance the books later in 2022.
The report suggests that Chelsea could be successful with a bid in the region of £42m, providing that "nothing unusual happens" with regards to the sale of any other players.
In a bid to fend off any rival interest, Chelsea's preference is to reach an agreement with Sevilla and Kounde before the summer transfer window officially opens.
Although Kounde's contract is due to expire in 2024, it is arguably in Sevilla's best interest to sell sooner rather than later due to a sell-on percentage that they will owe his former club Bordeaux.
Darren Plant
