Chelsea remain interested in Sevilla defender Jules Koundé

Jules Koundé’s transfer to Chelsea failed to materialise, but according to the Evening Standard, the Premier League outfit’s next priority is defence after signing striker Romelu Lukaku for €115 million from Inter.

Sevilla will not accept less than €70 million, the player’s release clause. Chelsea were confident of getting the Frenchman on the last day of the summer transfer window for a slightly lower amount, but the La Liga club did not budge from the €70 million price tag.

Thomas Tuchel is clear about his next transfer target in a bid to build on his defence after bringing in Lukaku and adding depth to the midfield with the addition of Saúl from Atlético Madrid. The coach is thinking about his long-term defensive options with Thiago Silva, 36, and César Azpilicueta, who has now turned 32.

Achraf Hakimi was another defensive target this summer, which would have allowed Reece James to be used as a third centre-back more often, but Chelsea lost the race to Paris Saint-Germain. So now all eyes will be on Koundé, who they will keep an eye on.

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