Why Chelsea need to tie up Jules Kounde deal sooner rather than later

Chelsea chase Kounde

It is exactly three weeks ago that the news that Chelsea were chasing Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde broke into mainstream media, with thoughts then that Kurt Zouma may be set to head the other way in a play plus cash deal.

Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed that Kounde himself was open to the move, and that the two clubs simply had to agree a fee for the player. However, that has proved less simple than previously thought, with Chelsea attempting to negotiate a deal worth less than the release clause in the centre-back’s contract, believed to be 68 million pounds.

The Blues since turned their attention to centre forward, bringing Romelu Lukaku back to the club as their new record signing.

Chelsea need to stump up the cash

Meanwhile, a deal for Kounde could be set to become even more difficult for Thomas Tuchel’s side, with Diario AS [Via the Daily Mirror] reporting that the release clause is due to increase ahead of the window’s end.

Whilst at present it sits at 68 million pounds, as per the report, come August 31st it will have reached 77 million pounds (90 million euros).

Fellow Spanish publication Marca [via the Metro] report that the release clause will increase incrementally over the next two weeks rather than in one jump, but the message is clear. Chelsea need to stump up the funds to avoid having to pay even more.