Chelsea icon Frank Leboeuf has urged the Blues to make a move for 22-year-old French international Jules Kounde either this summer or next.
While speaking to ESPN, as quoted by Tribal Football, Frank Leboeuf has had his say on Chelsea’s pursuit of Jules Kounde in the summer transfer window. The Blues legend has urged the west London giants to make a move for the 22-year-old French international, claiming he has everything in his kitty.
Chelsea have been touted to be in the market for a defensive reinforcement in the market for a few months now. The possible reasoning for the same is understandable as well, with Thiago Silva well into the twilight of his career while Kurt Zouma is likely to be offloaded this summer amid links with West Ham United.
In addition, Antonio Rudiger’s future at Stamford Bridge is up in the air in the wake of a long-standing contract impasse with the Blues. In such a scenario, it is clear why Chelsea would want to sign a centre-back, with Kounde emerging as a viable target in recent weeks for the club.
However, his hefty price tag worth €80 million is proving to be problematic, with Chelsea looking to engineer a part-exchange deal with Sevilla. And according to Frank Leboeuf, the west Londoners should do what it takes to secure the services of the 22-year-old.
Speaking to ESPN (h/t Tribal Football), the Chelsea icon said, “He’s (Kounde) a fantastic player. He has everything. He is a warrior. He never gives up. He has everything. He is the future for sure.”
“Maybe it’s an opportunity for Chelsea to get him maybe not this season, but next season. I don’t know what Kounde wants to do in his life, if he’s ready to be on the bench more than he thinks he will be. It’s up to him. It would be a good signing for Chelsea.”
Leboeuf’s comments do make sense as in Kounde does appear to have a bright future in the game, while his attitude on the field marks him out as a star in making. However, it remains to be seen if Chelsea can do anything to bring down the €80 million valuation or if they are forced to pay the entire sum in case they launch the offensive for the French international.
