Fresh Jules Koundé update emerges as Chelsea ‘wait’ and Thomas Tuchel responds

There could yet be hope for Chelsea as they look to secure Sevilla centre-back Jules Koundé.

The French defender was subject to a bid from the Blues last summer, but he saw his Sevilla exit blocked.

This summer, it seems Los Nervionenses are willing to grant his exit wish, and there has been reports claiming Chelsea have had a £55million deal accepted.

But as the Blues wait for progress to be made in the deal, there have been fresh reports claiming Barcelona have hijacked the deal at the 11th hour.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, however, while Barca are expected to make a bid, they have not entered negotiations with Sevilla.

Chelsea are the only club to have made advances, but their wait goes on.

Romano tweeted: “Jules Koundé. While Sevilla sources deny any agreement with FCB as negotiations are ‘only with Chelsea’, Barcelona are preparing an official bid to try and hijack the deal - as @gerardromero reports.

“Chelsea, still waiting for Sevilla/Jules “green light” since Thursday.”

In a further tweet, Romano claims Koundé has been in negotiations with both Barcelona and Chelsea behind the scenes.

Though, it’s claimed Barcelona cannot match Chelsea’s offer financially and that the Blus made their official offer to Sevilla three days ago (as of Saturday).

The wait goes on for now, and in the meantime, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has been coy over questions relating to Koundé.

“This is what you say… but I will not comment on other players,” he said.

“No news at the moment. I will tell you if there will ever be news on Koundé”.

Chelsea will be eager to get the deal done as they look to fill the remaining void in their defence.

The Blues lost Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger this summer, and while they have signed one new defender in Kalidou Koulibaly, they will need another to complete their defensive puzzle.