Euro Paper Talk: Chelsea could match second highest transfer with choice from four-man list

Chelsea have not lost sight of one of their main defensive targets in Jules Kounde, but their shortlist features up to three other names, while Atletico Madrid could capitalise on a stalling Premier League exit – according to Monday’s Euro transfer gossip.

CHELSEA KEEP KOUNDE ON FOUR-MAN WISHLIST

Jules Kounde is one of up to four centre-backs Chelsea are considering for their defensive rebuild in the summer.

That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who verifies that the Sevilla star has been majorly admired by Thomas Tuchel over the past couple of years.

Chelsea tried to sign Kounde last summer, but could not meet Sevilla’s asking price. This year, their need for a new centre-back is even greater as they prepare to lose Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.

Although they will not receive any money for those exits, they could invest heavily to fill the gap. Should a takeover of the club go through in time, a move for Kounde could be expected.

Sevilla would only let it happen if Chelsea can meet his release clause worth €80m (nearly £67m). That would make him the Blues’ joint-second record signing of all time, at the same level as Kai Havertz and Kepa Arrizabalaga but behind Romelu Lukaku.

However, it is not a given that Kounde will be the player Chelsea pursue. Romano’s update clarifies that there are three to four options on their defensive shortlist. None of the others are named.

Kounde cementing importance for Sevilla and France

Kounde has enjoyed another strong season after getting over the disappointment of not being able to join Chelsea last year. He has played in 28 of their 34 La Liga games, in which they have conceded fewer goals than any other side in the Spanish top flight.

Also becoming a more regular feature of the France national team, the 23-year-old could dominate defences for the decade to come.

Jules Kounde will be a Chelsea player this summer

Jules Kounde has been told by Chelsea that he will be a Chelsea player this summer as he grows frustrated with Sevilla

Chelsea need someone to take up that responsibility at Stamford Bridge. Therefore, Kounde could be firmly back on their radar ahead of an intriguing summer.

His current contract is due to run until 2024. Without an extension, Sevilla may start to become at risk of losing the former Bordeaux man. For now, though, they feel well enough protected by his release clause.

ATLETICO WANT ADAMA TRAORE

Atletico Madrid will rival Tottenham for the signature of Wolves winger Adama Traore, who will not be staying permanently at Barcelona. (Todofichajes)

AC Milan are interested in signing Riyad Mahrez from Manchester City. (Tuttosport)

Manchester United are battling Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, Real Madrid and Chelsea for €70m Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni. Indeed, of those suitors, they have one of the better chances. (AS)

Tottenham winger Steven Bergwijn has opened the door to a transfer to Ajax. (Algemeen Dagblad)

Paul Pogba could yet stay with Man Utd, because their contract offer is the most lucrative he has received. Alternatively, he would take a paycut to move elsewhere. (Gianluca Di Marzio)

Real Madrid have made Chelsea defender Reece James their top target at right-back. (Todofichajes)

MAN CITY STANCE ON RICE CLARIFIED

Manchester City are more likely than Real Madrid to be able to afford Declan Rice for €100m, but still may not want to meet that valuation. What’s more, West Ham want to extend his contract. (Gianluca Di Marzio)

Lazio and Fiorentina are eyeing goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini, since he will have no future at Tottenham Hotspur after his loan spell. (Calciomercato)

Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger will sign a four-year contract with Real Madrid imminently. (Fabrizio Romano)

Paris Saint-Germain are considering Joachim Low and Thiago Motta as potential replacements for manager Mauricio Pochettino. (Gianluca Di Marzio)

Former Man Utd forward Memphis Depay has been the subject of interest from other Premier League clubs. However, he wants to stay at Barcelona. (Fabrizio Romano)

Atletico Madrid are eyeing Pablo Sarabia and Pedro Porro after their loans at Sporting CP – the latter from Manchester City – expire. (Mundo Deportivo)

AND MORE EURO TRANSFER GOSSIP

Edinson Cavani will prefer to join Boca Juniors when his Manchester United contract expires, which would mark a return to South America. (AS)

Valencia have officially denied reports from AS about an agreement for Barcelona to sign Carlos Soler from them as a replacement for Frenkie De Jong. (Club statement)

Juventus have signed Federico Chiesa on a permanent basis from Fiorentina following their qualification for the Champions League, which triggered a clause in his loan. (Tuttomercatoweb)

English defender Chris Smalling is in frequent contact with Roma over a contract extension until 2024. (Calciomercato)

Barcelona director Mateu Alemany says they have not negotiated with the agent of Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski. (Movistar)

Juventus are pressing to sign midfielder Leandro Paredes from Paris Saint-Germain. (Tuttosport)