“I understand that Chelsea’s latest proposal for Kounde is £46.7m, with Sevilla attempting to hold out for £55.2m.

It is believed Chelsea are not keen on going north of £50m. Chelsea might look to make up the remaining with add-ons.”

SiandDanTalkCFC Podcast

Thoughts go out to Sebastian Haller after tonight's news. I hope he makes a full recovery as soon as possible.

I am beginning to become quite agitated with this notion of Tuchel showing no interest in the club's future, with many "fans' insinuating that he does not care about the academy.

Chelsea's academy does have
an outrageous amount of quality coming through at the moment, but they cannot keep them all.

Chelsea is a top 5 team in Europe alongside City, Liverpool, Madrid,
and Bayern, but Chelsea under Tuchel undoubtedly use their academy better than those other elite sides.

Since his arrival on January 26 of 2021, Thomas Tuchel had fielded 14 Cobham graduates in competitive matches, with 6 being given over 1000 minutes. Those
being: Mason (5,967'), Reece (4,781'), AC (4,008"), CHO (2,842'), Chalobah (2,305'), and RLC (2,250'). With 1 of those 6 being let go on a free.

Klopp, who has been at Liverpool for 5 years and 4 months longer, also has given 6 Melwood graduates over 1000 minutes. With 3 sent out on loan or sold by Klopp.

Guardiola, who has been at city for 4 years and 6 months longer, has given 3 academy graduates over 1000 minutes. With 2 being sold or let go on a free.

Arteta, who has been at Arsenal for 1 year and 1 month longer, has given 7 Hale end graduates over 1000 minutes. With 4 being sent out on loan or sold by
Arteta.

Current European and LaLiga champions, Real Madrid, only have 3 academy products who racked up more
than 1000 minutes last season with all 3 of them being over 30 years of age.
European powerhouse, Bayern Munich, only had 2 academy products rack up over 1000 minutes last season with one of them being Thomas Muller.

PSG, who have arguably the best academy in Europe, only had 1 academy product rack up over 1000 minutes
last season. Barcelona's famous La Masia has only produced 5 players who have played over 1000s minutes in LaLiga for the club since 2020.

[AngeloP on Reddit]

Thoughts Blues?

Chelsea are close to agreeing a fee with Sevilla for Jules Koundé but they could face competition from Barcelona.— Personal terms with Chelsea understood to be agreed. ..

[Jacob Steinberg]

ℹ️ @ChelseaAnalysis

Jules Kounde update. Chelsea are confident of agreeing a fee with Sevilla for around €60 million and working fast. Barca yet to bid but are expected to imminently. Still an open race. Sevilla do want a straight-cash deal, though, with #CFC’s tactic to get an agreement quickly.

Barca are waiting and relying on getting Kounde’s full buy in. But #CFC sources also believe Kounde wants a move to London. That’s the key difference compared to Raphinha. Raphinha made it clear Barca was his first choice. Kounde hasn’t.

No doubt Chelsea are closer to a deal currently and growing in confidence. Barca must respond, and Sevilla will listen if they do, but they want things ideally resolved this week (before they go to Portugal). That helps Chelsea, too..

[Ben jacobs]

ℹ️ @ChelseaAnalysis

#Chelsea are in advanced negotiations with Sevilla over Jules Kounde. Nothing is finalised yet, with more talks to come.

[via Matt Law]

ℹ️ @ChelseaAnalysis

Chelsea have told Sevilla they will return soon with a new bid for Jules Koundé, after first one refused 24h ago [€55m add-ons included]. 🔵 #CFC

Player in talks with both Barcelona [Xavi, still pushing] and Chelsea. 🔴 #FCB

Sevilla want €65m.

[via Fabrizio Romano]

Kalidou Koulibaly on joining #Chelsea:

"I am really excited to be here. I was looking forward to being with the team. I was in London three days ago. I was excited to be in this city, to play for this club."

"I want to thank the staff, the coach who wanted me, the boss. Everybody was really nice with me. I feel home."

"I was really happy to make a big choice to come to the Premier League and play the greatest football in the world. I want to thank #Chelsea for giving me this chance."

Kalidou Koulibaly on #Chelsea medical:

"Was a bit stressy! I wanted to pass my medical but it takes a lot of time to make the papers, the documents right to do it. I was in the hotel walking around alone, on the phone with my manager and family."