Chelsea ‘prepare to revive their interest in Sevilla star Jules Kounde’ after Nathan Ake decides to STAY at Man City to end their chances of a £50m deal
- Thomas Tuchel is looking to bolster his backline this summer after key exits
- Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly is closing in on a move to Stamford Bridge
- The Blues could re-open talks for Jules Kounde after being rebuffed last year
- Meanwhile, Dutch international Nathan Ake will reportedly not be returning
Chelsea will reportedly revive their interest in Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde after hitting a brick wall in their attempts to sign Nathan Ake from Manchester City.
The Blues pursued Kounde throughout last summer and discussions were still ongoing on deadline day, but a deal could not be agreed.
Sevilla proved to be stubborn negotiators a year ago, while the Blues were not willing to meet the 23-year-old’s £68.4million release clause.
Chelsea will now reportedly revive their interest in Sevilla and France defender Jules Kounde
But according to the Evening Standard, Chelsea will go back to the Spanish club and re-open talks as their hunt for a new centre-back takes another turn.
Following the exits of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen this summer – and with Cesar Azpilicueta also keen on a move away – Thomas Tuchel is currently short on options in his back three.
The Blues are close to signing Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli, but have reportedly been rebuffed by Manchester City in talks for Ake.
According to The Athletic, the Dutch international is set to remain at the Etihad Stadium because ‘the terms of the deal were not right for City’.
![Nathan Ake is reportedly set to stay at Manchester City this summer despite Chelsea's interest](https://vcpsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/1657903024_653_Nathan-Ake-to-stay-at-Man-City-despite-interest-from.jpg)
Nathan Ake is reportedly set to stay at Manchester City this summer despite Chelsea’s interest
Chelsea have been in discussions over a £50million transfer for Ake in recent weeks and were hopeful of reaching an agreement.
The report claims that the 27-year-old is a popular member of Pep Guardiola’s squad and is happy to be staying at the Etihad Stadium.
It is said that the Premier League champions would only have sold Ake had their valuation been met, because he provides strength in depth in multiple positions.
![The Dutch international started his career at Chelsea after joining the Blues' academy at 15](https://vcpsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/1657903024_418_Nathan-Ake-to-stay-at-Man-City-despite-interest-from.jpg)
The Dutch international started his career at Chelsea after joining the Blues’ academy at…