Chelsea and Sevilla set to go head to head over £68m fee once again

It looks very much like Chelsea will buy Jules Kounde this summer. They almost did a year ago, only to fall out with Sevilla over the fee.

This summer it’s a lot more likely a deal will get over the line, as it increasingly suits the Spanish side to get rid of their wantaway defender. But there is still likely to be a major clash over the fee that the Blues pay.

Last summer Sevilla held out for his £68m release clause, and today the Sun report that they will maintain that stance.

Chelsea weren’t willing to pay it a year ago, and the fact that Kounde is a year closer to the end of his deal makes it seem like the Blues won’t up their offer now.

On the other hand, they’re now two central defenders down compared to last year, and their desperation to secure a good option may mean they’re more willing to stump up.