Chelsea is approaching what Sevilla is asking for Koundé

The sale of Jules Koundé to Chelsea enters its decisive hours this Friday after the English club concluded yesterday the transfer of another center-back, Kurt Zouma, to West Ham. That frees up a place behind Tuchel and, more importantly, provides the blues with 30 million euros with which to raise that initial offer of 50 million that Sevilla did not want to accept, on Wednesday afternoon. Yesterday, the English club got a little closer to Sevilla's claims.

Marina Granovskaia, CEO and right-hand man of Roman Abramovich, is the person who leads the negotiations for Chelsea, in permanent contact with Monchi. The sports director did not even attend Movistar after the Champions League draw because he does not stop working with an idea in mind: He is clear that he will not give in to the star of his defense for less than 60-65 million euros and some variables. A little more than 20 paid to Girondins for Koundé and the French team is also entitled to 15 percent of the capital gain obtained with the transfer of the footballer. If it ends up coming out for 65, more than 10 would belong to the Bordeaux entity.

At the same time that he negotiates with Chelsea, Monchi moves in the market to tie at least two defenses that reinforce a rear that now he is left with just a couple of defensive specialists, Diego Carlos and Rekik, although Fernando and newcomer Delaney can play in that position. As published by As, One of the favorites for his versatility is Boubacar Kamara, 21, who plays for Marseille. He only has one year left on his contract, so the French club cannot maintain a strong position.

Also 21 years old is the Dutch Sven Botman, who plays for Lille. But in his case, the French champion does have the upper hand: Botman, with a market value of close to 30 million, still has four seasons remaining. Curiously, Lille yesterday became one of Sevilla's rivals in the group stage of the Champions League, so If Monchi signs Botman, he would also be weakening a direct rival in the top continental competition.