Chelsea can finally grant Jules Koundé’s ‘bigger club’ wish amid £55m transfer

Chelsea are being backed to wrap up the signing of Sevilla star Jules Koundé this week.

The French centre-back has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge for well over a year, and he came close to making the move last year.

Chelsea made an attempt to sign the Sevilla star ahead of last season, but the Spanish club blocked his exit.

Koundé spoke about his disappointment afterwards, but he wound up knuckling down and playing a part in Los Nervionenses’ fourth place finish.

He later said: “Did my failed transfer to Chelsea this summer affect me? Yes, a little bit, but now it’s digested.”

This summer, Chelsea have an even bigger need for defenders, with Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger already out the door, while Cesar Azpilicueta could follow.

Kalidou Koulibaly could soften the blow, but Chelsea need even more quality at the back, and it seems they have turned to Koundé again.

The latest reports claim the Blues are closing in on a deal after making an improved £55million offer in a bid to wrap up the move.

The deal would be a huge boost for Chelsea, and indeed Koundé, who has already spoken about his desire to play for a ‘bigger club’.

“I am at a big club now, but, evidently, I would like to evolve at a bigger club,” he told Telefoot last year.

“We will see what the future holds for us, but it’s something that is in my head.”

Koundé now looks set to get his wish, joining a Chelsea side that will be looking to put together a much greater title challenge this season, while also having another good run in the Champions League.

Though, Thomas Tuchel has a lot of work to do to get his new defence together and on the same page ahead of the fast-approaching season.