Jules Koundé transfer news: Chelsea open formal talks to sign Sevilla’s French defender

European champions Chelsea have opened talks with Sevilla for French defender Jules Jules Koundé, according to a Fabrizio Romano on Tuesday.

The Blues are looking to bolster Thomas Tuchel’s UEFA Champions League-winning squad with top quality additions as they target the Premier League title this coming season as well as the defense of their continental crown.

Koundé, 22, is hot property at present and is now a full France international after making his debut earlier this year as part of Les Bleus’ UEFA Euro 2020 campaign.

The former Girondins de Bordeaux man has developed exponentially since his arrival in Seville and his exposure to Champions League soccer has played a key role after helping Julen Lopetegui’s men to the 2019-20 UEFA Europa League title.

Per CBS Sports’ Romano, official talks are now underway between the two clubs with Koundé the main center back target as Chelsea look to make their first splash on the transfer market this summer.

Fikayo Tomori, Olivier Giroud and Victor Moses have all been moved on for a combined fee of around $41 million in addition to the space that their departures have created on the Stamford Bridge wage bill.

With negotiations ongoing to reach an agreement, Romano adds that Koundé is open to accepting the move as he wants to play in the Champions League.

Sevilla have already added Mark Dmitrovic and Erik Lamela to their squad this summer without spending a penny in transfer fees. Koundé’s potential sale likely to give sporting director Monchi’s budget a big boost as the LaLiga outfit look to strengthen in a difficult period for Spanish clubs.