Thomas Tuchel
Chelsea could still look to complete another signing before the summer transfer window closes at the end of the month. The Blues have identified Jules Kounde of Sevilla as their main defensive target this summer, but are reluctant to trigger the France international’s £68million release clause. The 22-year-old is reportedly open to leaving Seville before the transfer window concludes, but the west London club are yet to make an offer for his services, according to the Spanish club’s director Monchi recently.
Monchi said: “Many clubs have asked for Kounde. Of course there is interest, but no official bid is on the table. I don’t know what is going to happen. We will sell if an important bid arrives, this is our policy to improve the team.”
Despite having an interest in Kounde, Thomas Tuchel could be about to offload a defender before the end of the month. Malang Sarr, who signed for the Blues last summer but then spent the 2020/21 season on loan at Porto, is a target for Everton, according to Italian football journalist Gianluca Di Marzio. Newly-appointed Toffees boss Rafa Benitez is said to be a fan of Sarr, who is yet to make a competitive appearance for Chelsea. However, Everton could be set for some stern competition for the 22-year-old’s signature, who is valued at £9m on Transfermarkt, with Italian outfit Bologna also said to be interested in the French defender. Sarr, when speaking to Chelsea’s official website last month, explained his ambition to become a top defender at Stamford Bridge.
Malang Sarr said: “It’s a pleasure to be here, starting to work, we are working very hard and very well so I’m happy. I have enjoyed being here. I have spoken a little bit with the manager, he knows I speak French so we have been talking. I have a good feeling here; everybody is very good with me. I can feel everybody is ambitious here. They want to work and they really want us to give the best every day, and that’s a good thing because that’s how I see things. I really want to work hard every day and try to improve in every aspect. I hope to join the team and help the team to the top. They finished the season as Kings of Europe. I’m here to help and to let the team stay at the highest level, trying to bring all the good energy and my work to the team. I know the club is ambitious and I am ambitious as well, so it’s a perfect match.”
