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."

Kalidou Koulibaly on decision to join Chelsea:

"When Chelsea came I didn’t hesitate because they came for me in 2016 but we didn’t make it. When they came back in 2022, my choice was done. I was already looking forward to playing for this team."

Kalidou Koulibaly on friends at Chelsea:

"One month ago Jorgi text me & asked if I wanted to come to Chelsea. I said I don’t know if they ask for me, I want to come. If they want me, I'll come with pleasure. After Edou made a small comment it was already done."

Kalidou Koulibaly on Thomas Tuchel:

"It was a really important detail for me. He called me & say he wanted me to come to #Chelsea. I was really happy because we know him from Paris. When he came to Chelsea he direct called me and asked if I wanted to come."

"It didn’t happen before but today it comes. I know he is a good man, a very good trainer. I am looking forward to working with him. I will do my best for him to be happy with me."

Kalidou Koulibaly:

"I have to show everybody I am the player they think. To do it with Chelsea will be easier for me. A big team with big players will make my work easier."

"I don’t like to speak before but I want to give emotions to the supporters, to everybody that loves Chelsea. I want to show them I am the player they have been waiting for. I want to win a lot of titles with Chelsea."

Kalidou Koulibaly on Chelsea fans:

"The only thing I can tell them is that on the pitch I will give 200% for them, for the staff, for everybody working in the club. I want to thank them for the big welcome. I am looking forward to see them at Stamford Bridge."

Chelsea will continue advanced talks with Sevilla over a deal for Jules Kounde tomorrow.

Personal terms have been agreed with the Frenchman for an absolute age. He's (still) open to coming to the Premier League.

[via Adam Newson]

🥅 Raheem Sterling had at least 66 more touches inside the opposition penalty area that any Chelsea player in the Premier League last season (211)

🍽️ Chelsea need to learn from last season and ensure Sterling gets plenty of service in the box

[WhoScored]

ℹ️ @ChelseaAnalysis