Former Chelsea centre-back Frank Leboeuf feels that Kounde is a warrior and has every trait needed to succeed in the Premier League.
The 22-year-old may not be the tallest centre back in Europe, but he is extremely physical and can win both ground and aerial duels against any forward. He is also very agile and can sense danger with exceptional game reading skills and has shown maturity way beyond his years and will be a huge addition to this Chelsea side.
The Blues are looking to strengthen in a couple of areas ahead of this season as they look to defend the European title, and Kounde coming to Stamford Bridge will put them in great stead.
While Leboeuf has praised Kounde a lot, he does not feel that the France international will directly walk into the starting eleven. He feels that the youngster should be introduced gradually to understand the pace of the Premier League.
“He’s (Kounde) a fantastic player. He has everything. He is a warrior. He never gives up. He has everything. He is the future for sure.
“Maybe it’s an opportunity for Chelsea to get him, maybe not this season, but next season. I don’t know what Kounde wants to do in his life, if he’s ready to be on the bench more than he thinks he will be. It’s up to him. It would be a good signing for Chelsea.”
the former Chelsea centre-back has told ESPN.
Several reports suggest that Chelsea are willing to include Kurt Zouma in a cash plus player deal to lure Kounde away from the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium. But Los Nervionenses are not ready to listen to any offer that is below £68million which is his release clause.
Sevilla were approached by several other clubs including Tottenham, but Kounde’s desire to play in the Champions League meant that he was not ready to move to North London. However, when Chelsea came calling the France international had no problem and was interested in making a move to the Premier League, and it cannot get better than representing the reigning Champions League winners.
A report in Telegraph suggests that Thomas Tuchel is ready to ship out one of his current defenders to facilitate a move for the French superstar defender. While Zouma is destined to leave there are rumours of Emerson Palmieri also leaving the club. The Blues are apparently looking to make an official bid for the Sevilla defender. So it remains to be seen whether the club will match Sevilla’s lofty valuation as they are also linked with Romelu Lukaku.
Chelsea are lining up a move to lure Lukaku away from San Siro preparing his return to Stamford Bridge. Tuchel is a big fan of the Belgian marksman and wants him to lead the lines at West London. While Timo Werner has been decent in his first season and will only get better, the Blues are eager to bring in someone more prolific and have shortlisted Lukaku as their primary target. Their pursuit of Lukaku will also determine the amount of money they will dish out to sign Kounde.
Also, Chelsea are not the only club interested in the French defender. Clubs like Manchester United and Real Madrid are planning to make a move for the Sevilla star.
Kounde has risen through the ranks in the last couple of years at Sevilla and instantly became a star defender mustering up 89 appearances and helping Julen Lopetegui’s men to clinch the Europa League title in 2019. Apart from his exceptional defending, Kounde is also great from setpieces. His impressive performances were rewarded when he was called up for the French national team for the Euros.
