Football Transfer News: Chelsea meets Sevilla's €65m Jules Kunde demands

The French international has been a long-term objective for Chelsea, who reported back to him after failing to secure Matthijs de Ligt, a key centre-back who has since joined Bayern Munich from Juventus.

Earlier this week, Chelsea returned to the Kunde negotiation table and made a counteroffer of €55 million, which fell €10 million shy of the La Liga team's asking price.

Chelsea has raised its offer for Sevilla centre defender Jules Kounde to the €65 million (£55 million/$66 million) asking price, and the Blues have submitted a new transfer proposal in an attempt to sign him to a deal at Stamford Bridge.

Finally, on his way from Sevilla in Spain, the defender is scheduled to have a physical within 48 hours.

Although personal terms were agreed upon earlier this month, sporting director Monchi has given Kounde the go-ahead to complete the move, giving Chelsea confidence that a deal can be finalized within days.

Chelsea is optimistic about finally completing a trade for a player they have been attempting to sign for over 12 months, and it is understood that Barcelona is still in communication with Sevilla. Still, they have yet even made a concrete offer.

Kunde is more than willing to transfer to west London, contrary to what the Catalan media has been reporting, and the midfielder has told 90min that Camp Nou is not his preferred destination.

To team up with another defensive recruit Kalidou Koulibaly, who joined Chelsea for £34 million from Napoli over the weekend, Kunde aspires to be soon able to accompany Chelsea on their American preseason trip.

Pau Torres and Josko Gvardiol are two candidates the Blues are considering for a third central defence hire. Presnel Kimpembe of Paris Saint-Germain was another player they looked at, but he seemed determined to remain in the French capital.

The need to reinforce their back-line ranks has become more pressing due to the losses of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen. Still, after having earlier bids rejected because they didn't meet the amount demanded, they have now come up with a proposal that fits his valuation.

As Chelsea looks to close the gap with rivals Manchester City and Liverpool, who finished above them last season, he has filled both places with highly regarded and seasoned players.

As their tour of the United States ends, Chelsea will play against Charlotte on Thursday before facing Premier League rivals Arsenal on Sunday morning. The next match will be a friendly in Italy versus Udinese.

Kunde and Koulibaly's arrival may now lead to departures from the Chelsea back-line. Cesar Azpilicueta, the club captain, is hoping to be allowed to leave and join Barcelona, even though no discussions had been undertaken before his flight to America.

The victorious Spaniard, who spent ten years with Chelsea and won every trophy imaginable, is eager to return home.

Despite being primarily a right-back, Azpilicueta can play centre-back, and Tuchel's workload is lessened at the position with the additions of Koulibaly and Kunde.

Mexican left-back Although Marcos Alonso is also eager to depart, the most recent transactions with Chelsea have no bearing on his status.

Despite Romelu Lukaku's return to Inter on loan, Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly have both been significant statement purchases for Chelsea as Tuchel attempts to retool his team in preparation for another championship run.

After missing out on Raphinha, the new Barca signing, another forward appears to be a plausible alternative. 

Chelsea reportedly reached an agreement with Leeds United for the Brazilian player. Still, the latter rejected the personal terms and insisted on waiting for Barca to offer the money to sign him to a contract with the Elland Road club.