While Chelsea are in the hunt to fortify their defence, the north London club have also been reported to have finally agree terms with the sales of Kurt Zouma to rivals West Ham.
Thomas Tuchel has not hidden his desire to land France international top defender Jules Kounde from Sevilla in a bid to build a more formidable defence line at Stamford Bridge.
Meanwhile, with the emerging report of Chelsea’s plans to replace Zouma with his compatriot Kounde, the 26-year-old’s preference has been to remain in the Premier League with both Tottenham and West Ham showing interest.
However, emanating report reaching National Daily from RMC Sport and Telefoot, it appears that the Hammers are now on the verge of finalising a deal for Zouma after a breakthrough in talks.
According to the source, a fee has been agreed between the two clubs while personal terms are close to being finalised with Zouma signing a five-year contract with West Ham.
It is understood that though the Hammers had initially refused to meet Zouma’s £120,000-a-week wage demand but the club are now confident of reaching an agreement with the Chelsea centre-back.
Going by the above, it is therefore believed that once Zouma is sold, Chelsea will be in a better position to fully press ahead with the signing of Kounde, who has a £68m release clause in his contract with Sevilla.
Kounde who has been central to Sevilla line of defence had played significant role in La Liga club’s both domestic league games so far this season while helping the club record two clean sheets against Rayo Vallecano and Getafe.