Chelsea Transfer Rumor Round-Up: Koundé in, Zouma Out, Saúl Loan
As the 2021 summer transfer window enters its final stages, Chelsea appear to be gearing up for one final push. With the deadline six days away, Chelsea are managing multiple potential comings-and-goings, including Jules Koundé, Saúl and Kurt Zouma.
On the way out: Kurt Zouma
Kurt Zouma appears to be on his way out at Chelsea. The French international is preparing to make a move across London in the coming days to join West Ham on a €30 million fee. The finer aspects of the transfer are still being worked on, but according to football insider Fabrizio Romano, when the last details are completed, the deal is done. The move is being hurried because Chelsea are preparing to bid for Sevilla center-back Jules Koundé. Once the West Ham-Zouma deal is finalized, expect the Blues to confirm the Koundé bid.
Potentially In: Jules Koundé
If you look up “Koundé” on Google, you will open up the ultimate Pandora’s box. This transfer saga has been a rollercoaster and reports from multiple news outlets range from Sevilla refusing to negotiate with Chelsea to a deal between the two clubs seemingly confirmed. Despite the uncertainty, I believe the tides have shifted in favor of a future deal with the impending departure of Zouma.
While a deal has yet to be officially confirmed between the two clubs, the deal, in principle, is complete. According to Romano, the 22-year-old and his camp have had personal terms agreed upon with the reigning Champions League winners for weeks now. Chelsea are set to submit an official bid in the coming hours and Sevilla is expected to accept the terms. The deal has yet to be confirmed because Chelsea are waiting for the Zouma-West Ham deal to be finalized. When that deal is all said and done, Koundé should join a stalwart backline that features Antonio Rüdiger, Andreas Christensen, Thiago Silva, César Azpilicueta and Trevoh Chalobah.
The Saúl Situation
The 26-year-old midfielder has been played out of position with Atlético Madrid, due in large part to the fact that his versatility is his greatest strength. He has played well enough at various positions in Diego Simeone’s XI to justify missing time in the midfield. That scenario alone illustrates why Saúl has asked for a change of scenery.
Chelsea have offered a loan with buy option to Atlético, as reported by Romano. If Saúl joins Chelsea, he will rotate in-and-out of a midfield pivot that also boasts N’Golo Kante, Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic. I don’t foresee the Spanish international staying at the club for a long period, simply because it is so hard to carve out significant playing time in that midfield. Manchester United are also reportedly keen on a possible loan move for Saúl, although no official bid has been made.
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