CHELSEA are reportedly closing in on bringing Sevilla defender Jules Kounde to Stamford Bridge in exchange for £30million and Kurt Zouma.
Kounde, 22, who can play at both centre-half and right-back, has impressed during his two seasons in Spain and also featured at Euro 2020 with France.
His performances have alerted the European champions, who are now keen to get the deal over the line.
And they are thought to be including centre-back Zouma in the deal, along with a substantial fee.
Sky Sports journalist Fabrizio Romano has reported: “Chelsea and Sevilla are discussing to reach an agreement for Jules Koundé/Kurt Zouma swap deal.
“Talks progressing – Chelsea now offering around €30/35m and Zouma included in the negotiation.
“Personal terms are not a problem for Koundé who’s waiting to join Chelsea.”
Zouma joined Chelsea in 2014 and has featured 150 times for the club, scoring ten goals.
Among the trophies he has won with the Blues are two Premier League titles, three FA Cups, the League Cup and Champions League.
But he started just seven of 19 league matches last season after Thomas Tuchel‘s arrival.
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Tuchel is eager to land a new central defender this summer with Thiago Silva turning 37 in September.
Bayern Munich stalwart Niklas Sule is another name thought to be among Tuchel’s list of defensive targets.
Chelsea will be hoping to build on their Champions League glory by mounting a challenge for the Premier League this season.
The Blues finished fourth at the end of the 2020-21 campaign following a dismal start under Frank Lampard.
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