Sevilla defender Jules Kounde is keen on a move to Chelsea this summer, according to Daily Star journalist Paul Brown.

The Blues failed to sign the 23-year-old last summer, but Brown says his representatives have made it clear that he still wants to join Thomas Tuchel's side.

What is the latest news involving Kounde?

According to 90min, Chelsea are determined to sign Kounde and will look to bring him to Stamford Bridge in the upcoming transfer window.

This comes after their failure to land the centre-back last year, with Sevilla sporting director Monchi confirming that the Spanish side turned down an offer from the west London club.

Kounde is reported to have a £68m release clause in his contract, so that is the price Chelsea could end up having to pay this summer if negotiations with Sevilla do not go to plan once again.

The Frenchman remains an important part of Julen Lopetegui's squad, making 40 appearances in all competitions this season. With that in mind, it would not be a surprise if the Rojiblancos continued to play hardball.

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What has Brown said about Kounde to Chelsea?

Brown has told GIVEMESPORT that there is a deal to be done once Chelsea's takeover is completed and the sanctions placed on the European champions are lifted.

Speaking to GMS, the Daily Star reporter said: "I suspect that the takeover will happen and will be cleared and sanctions will be lifted, so the club will be able to sign [players]. And I suspect they'll sign Kounde because they came close to him before.

"His representatives have made it clear to Chelsea that he's keen to join them, and I think there's a deal to be done there."

How badly do Chelsea need Kounde?

Once Chelsea are free to sign players again, Kounde quite clearly has to be a priority for them.

The Premier League outfit already know that they will be without Antonio Rudiger next season after Tuchel confirmed that he will leave the club when his contract expires, while Andreas Christensen also looks set to follow the German out of the exit door.

Like Rudiger, the Denmark international will be a free agent at the end of the campaign and is expected to join Barcelona.

There is also no guarantee that captain Cesar Azpilicueta will be remaining at Stamford Bridge despite his contract recently being extended by a year, with reports from Spain suggesting that he could still end up joining Christensen at the Camp Nou.

When you consider all of that, Chelsea need Kounde and probably much more if they are to avoid a disastrous 2022/23 season.