Chelsea are now willing to make a huge bid to sign a “world-class” player despite him having a release clause of £833m, according to a report.
Blues set to spend big this summer
The Blues have overhauled their squad over the past few years, spending vast sums of money in the process, but they are showing no signs of slowing down, with several expensive targets on their shortlist ahead of the summer transfer window.
One such player is Brighton & Hove Albion winger Kaoru Mitoma, with the west Londoners now prepared to make a £75m bid for the Japan international, having been impressed by his performances this season.
Not only that, but an approach has been made over Barcelona gem Marc Casado, who has a £83m release clause in his contract, with the same report detailing that January target, Mancheser United’s Kobbie Mainoo, could cost £80m at the end of the campaign.
Related
Chelsea battling Arsenal for “skilful” forward with a £17m release clause
The Blues are very interested in signing a winger this summer.
Casado is not the only Barca player of interest to Chelsea, however, with a report from Spain stating they would be willing to pay €100m (£83m) for Jules Kounde, indicating just how highly the right-back is thought of at Stamford Bridge.
However, Kounde is said to be very happy at the Camp Nou, with the La Liga side set to offer him a new contract over the next few weeks, in light of some impressive performances this season, which have impressed Hansi Flick.
As such, it may be very difficult for the Blues to get a deal done, and the fact the Frenchman has a €1bn (£833m) release clause in his contract will not help matters.
|
Chelsea’s upcoming Premier League fixtures |
Date |
|
Aston Villa (a) |
February 22nd |
|
Southampton (h) |
February 25th |
|
Leicester City (h) |
March 9th |
|
Arsenal (a) |
March 16th |
|
Tottenham Hotspur (h) |
April 2nd |
Kounde proving himself as “world-class”
It is no wonder Enzo Maresca‘s side are so keen on signing the defender, given that his performances for Barcelona have been lauded as “world-class” by members of the media.
However, the Spanish side are in a very strong negotiating position, given that the 26-year-old is happy at the Camp Nou, and he is protected by an astronomical release clause.
The France international has proven himself to be a top attacking full-back this season, picking up three goals and seven assists in 36 appearances in all competitions, indicating he could be a great acquisition for the Blues if he doesn’t agree a new contract.
That said, there are doubts over whether Kounde would be a necessary signing, given that Maresca is already well-stocked in the right-back department, with the likes of Reece James and Malo Gusto at his disposal.
Of course, there are always question marks about James’ fitness, but the Chelsea captain can be “fantastic” when fully-fit, while Gusto’s stellar performances this season have attracted the attention of Premier League rivals Liverpool and Manchester City.
