'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Chelsea are heavily interested in signing Jules Kounde from Sevilla this transfer window. Having completed a club-record deal for striker Romelu Lukaku from Inter, Chelsea have turned their attention to other areas that need strengthening. Thomas Tuchel has listed the right side of the defense as an area in need of reinforcements.
Jules Kounde - Chelsea's new rock at the back?
Chelsea's interest in Jules Kounde is not recent. Tuchel has been a fan of the young defender for a while. The Frenchman, who rejected Tottenham, is an ambitious and fierce defender. His desire to drive forward with the ball is an attribute Tuchel and Chelsea admire.
The 22-year-old ranks in the 93rd percentile among defenders in Europe for progressive carries. Jules Kounde also boasts 90 per cent pass accuracy. Hence, Chelsea's interest in acquiring his services isn't surprising, as he would fit their current system like a glove.
Although his quality is undoubted, the Chelsea squad is stacked with resources in his particular position. The massive fee paid by the London club for Romelu Lukaku might also weaken their purchasing power in the market.
Considering all the factors involved, the question remains as to whether Chelsea really need him. Keeping that in mind, here are three reasons why Chelsea should not pursue Jules Kounde in this transfer window.
#3 Abundance of centre-backs, with Zouma unlikely to leave
Kurt Zouma was one of the players Chelsea offered to Sevilla in exchange for Jules Kounde. However, the move did not materialize. It was a combination of Sevilla demanding more money and the reluctance to pay Zouma's high wages.
Despite being a regular under Frank Lampard, Zouma has fallen down the pecking order under Tuchel. The Frenchman suffered a horrible knee injury in 2016, but fought his way back into the first team after loan spells at Stoke City and Everton.
Thomas Tuchel's system requires centre-backs to step into midfield when required. Zouma's inability to do so affects the balance of the team. Due to this, the German manager is insisting the Chelsea board on the signing of Jules Kounde to replace Zouma.
While Zouma is an excellent defender, his high wages are a stumbling block for interested parties. West Ham have reportedly dropped their interest in the Frenchman for this reason. Therefore, Zouma could end up staying at Chelsea after all.
With Zouma not leaving, Chelsea will have an abundance of centre-backs at the club. Although Thiago Silva and Azpilicueta are in the twilight of their careers, Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen are more than capable of stepping in. Reece James has also featured on the right side of the back three, which provides Tuchel with another option.
Such a situation could render Jules Kounde redundant. A bloated squad often harms the morale of the dressing room. Hence, Chelsea should steer clear of the Sevilla defender in this particular transfer window.
#2 Chelsea's lack of depth in midfield
Before pursuing Jules Kounde, Chelsea have to look into their midfield situation. On paper, the London side have one of the best midfields in the world, with both Jorginho and Kante in incredible form. However, looking deeper, they do not have reliable back-ups in place for both.
Jorginho is in the form of his life, winning three European trophies in four months. N'Golo Kante has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the world. Mateo Kovacic is a decent midfielder too. However, loaning out Billy Gilmour to Norwich has left Chelsea with just three top midfielders competing for two spots. In a season where the club is expected to have over 60 games, this is not ideal.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek has not yet impressed Thomas Tuchel. While Mason Mount is capable of playing deeper, his best position is further up the field. This means Chelsea are light in terms of midfielders. They also need someone to add steel in the middle of the pitch.
Jules Kounde is not a cheap player. He has an €80m release clause. While Sevilla are comfortable with letting him go for cheaper, the fee is still very high for a defender. Having already spent a club record €115m on Romelu Lukaku, Chelsea might exercise caution on spending that sort of money again.
Considering their need for a midfielder, it makes sense for Chelsea not to spend that kind of money on Jules Kounde. While the defender is an excellent player, the London side might simply prioritize the signing of a midfielder, given the limited budget they have remaining.
#1 Jules Kounde might hinder Chalobah's development
Aside from all the aforementioned reasons, the sharp rise of Trevoh Chalobah could put the Jules Kounde deal in jeopardy. Chalobah spent the 2020-21 season on loan with Lorient in France, where he made 30 appearances in all competitions and chipped in with two goals and as many assists. However, not many fans expected him to enjoy such a dream start to his Chelsea career this term.
After a promising pre-season, Chalobah was handed a start in the Super Cup game against Villareal. The 22-year-old defender impressed Tuchel and was rewarded with a start in the Premier League against Crystal Palace. Chalobah scored a wonderful goal and did not get dribbled past either, winning the Man of the Match award.
Similar to Jules Kounde, Chalobah was extremely progressive. He played accurate long balls, made some great interceptions and was strong in the air. Having primarily played as a midfielder for Lorient last season, Chalobah is comfortable slotting into gaps in the middle of the pitch. These are the attributes Tuchel admires in the Sevilla defender.
With the departure of Zouma looking unlikely and the incredible rise of Chalobah, Jules Kounde might move to the back of the shopping list for Chelsea.
