PSG ‘to snatch Jules Kounde from under Chelsea’s nose with shock transfer bid to replace Blues target Presnel Kimpembe’
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN will attempt to snatch Sevilla defender Jules Kounde from under the nose of Chelsea, according to reports.
Thomas Tuchel is in need of two centre-backs following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen on free transfers.
The German may also need a third depending on whether club captain Cesar Azpilicueta departs the club for his homeland.
Barcelona are said to be keen on the 32-year-old.
And Chelsea are pursuing Sevilla's Kounde AND PSG's Presnel Kimpembe as potential defensive reinforcements.
PSG could sell academy product Kimpembe for £42million.
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However, according to , PSG are now tracking Frenchman Kounde, who could replace Kimpembe should the Parisians sanction the departure.
PSG had hoped to land Inter Milan's Milan Skriniar, with the budget for a centre-back set at £51m.
But Inter are hoping to collect closer to £59m for the 27-year-old.
Kounde, 22, is available for £51m which fits within PSG's desired budget for a defender.
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PSG are using the same strategy when signing attacking reinforcements.
Striker Mauro Icardi has been made available for a transfer.
Sassuolo's hitman Ginaluca Scamacca was a target for the French champions.
However, the Italian side's desired fee was much more than PSG were prepared to pay.
So instead, PSG signed Reims ace Hugo Ekitike on a season-long loan.
The 20-year-old scored ten goals and grabbed three assists in 23 league games last season.