Thomas Tuchel continuing to push Chelsea for Jules Koundé signing — report

Chelsea’s pursuit of Jules Koundé may have stalled at the minute, thanks in part, probably, to our high-profile and high-priced pursuit of Romelu Lukaku, but as that latter deal looks to wrap up, we surely should start seeing some progress in the former as well.

As ABC Deportes reports, Thomas Tuchel himself is continuing to push the club for the 22-year-old’s signing, on whom he’s had his eye for a while even at PSG — though that’s still unlikely to force Chelsea to meet Sevilla’s exorbitant €70-80m asking price. Tuchel may have a good relationship with Granovskaia & Co, but the head coach himself has made it clear on multiple occasions that we’re not going panic and spend unreasonably.

In related rumors, Sevilla have apparently started looking for replacements, with Ozan Kabak one of the favorites to arrive. An agreement over personal terms has already been reached with the Schalke 04 center back, who spent the last six months on loan at Lvierpool, and negotiations between the clubs are currently ongoing. Sevilla are also reportedly interested in Boubacar Kamara of Marseille.

Meanwhile, Sevilla continue to wait for a formal offer to arrive from Chelsea.