Chelsea’s pursuit of Jules Kounde has been dealt a huge blow, with Sevilla boss Julen Lopetegui insisting that there are no indications the defender will leave this summer.
The 22-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge and he is believed to be Thomas Tuchel’s primary defensive target.
Kounde himself is confident that he will complete a move to the Champions League winners this summer, however according to his manager, there have been no indications yet to suggest he will be sold before the August 31 deadline.
“I don’t have the feeling that this is his last game [Sunday’s 3-0 win against Rayo Vallecano]. There is nothing that tells me that he will not continue with us.
“He played a very good game. Things can happen until 31st August. We need to strengthen positions and we are working on it,” Lopetegui told Marca on Sunday.
Kounde is believed to have a £68m release clause in his contract with the Spanish club, though Chelsea are preparing to negotiate a lower fee, as well as potentially adding one or two players in part exchange.
