Dean Jones said Chelsea might seal Jules Kounde’s signature this month but wait until the summer to introduce him to Thomas Tuchel’s squad.
Speaking on the Football Terrace YouTube channel, Jones described the possible action plan from the Blues about signing the Sevilla defender.
Trying to capture Kounde
Kounde remains a top target for the Stamford Bridge chain of command, who have tracked the player for a sustained period of time
They came close to landing the centre-back last year but failed to reach a conclusion over a transfer fee with Sevilla.
The Spanish side wanted his £68m (Goal) release clause to be paid in full, a sum that was not met by the opposing party.
Chelsea are not ones to bow down from a fight and will seemingly rejuvenate their attack on Kounde’s kingdom.
Just a bit more time needed for Jules
Right now, however, the priority for Thomas Tuchel is to sign a new wing-back, or recall Emerson Palmieri from his Lyon loan spell.
This means a move for the Kounde might need to be put on the back burner momentarily.
Or, as Jones stated, the Blues could land the France international in January and then wait until the campaign concludes to bring him London way.
They (Chelsea) still believe they are in the strongest position to sign him (Kounde)”, he said.
“I think, from what I’m told, it’s more a case that they would look to strike an agreement now for the summer.
“I don’t think they are expecting it to happen now.”
What else is happening at Chelsea?
Depending on the status of Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta by February, Chelsea will either need to accelerate their bid for Kounde, or they can relax a little.
All three of Tuchel’s key defensive units are out of contract in June and can negotiate the terms of a new deal with foreign clubs for the next 20 days.
Rudiger has suitors from all over the continent, whilst Azpilicueta is being idolised by several Spanish clubs.
It’s set to be a busy few weeks for Marina Granovskaia and her team, so sit back and enjoy the ride.
