The France international is the subject of a tug-of-war over his future this summer. While he has been linked with a move away from his La Liga employers for some time, it now appears the time has come for him to move on. Chelsea had the most significant long-term interest in Kunde after signing the centre-back last summer. And after much speculation this summer, talk of a move to Stamford Bridge has grown in recent days. That speculation was reinforced on Thursday when it was revealed that Sevilla had left him out of the squad for their pre-season trip to Portugal. According to the Sun, however, Kunde has committed to being part of the team. The paper claims the move has “shocked everyone” at Sevilla, who had expected him to leave the club quietly. But Conte reportedly feels he is being “unprofessional” for not playing a part in the build-up while still under contract with Sevilla. As such, he wants to be part of the squad that travels to Portugal for a match against Sporting Lisbon on Sunday.
Kunte’s transfer to Chelsea was not affected
However, crucially for Chelsea, The Sun add that Kunde is still looking increasingly likely to move to the Blues. A source with knowledge of the situation told the paper: “It’s still very likely he will go to Chelsea. Everyone was surprised when Kunde turned up for the bus to Lagos. “But he feels he has to be a ‘professional’ while still a Sevilla player.” Conte has reportedly agreed terms on a five-year deal, with the Guardian reporting that Chelsea will pay Sevilla £55m for him. Barcelona are still in the running to land the centre-back and have called on Kunte to wait. They believe that despite their lower offer to Sevilla, the player’s desire to move to Camp Nou could be greater. Conte has emerged at Sevilla. The 23-year-old has won the Europa League, made 133 appearances and joined the France squad.
The defender is ready for reinforcement
But he has given Sevilla everything he can and now he has to take a step in his career. The centre-back would still be in the Champions League with Chelsea, as he was with Sevilla, but would fancy his chances of winning it with the Premier League side more. There is an opportunity for Kunte to prove himself in the English top flight as well.
Barcelona are trying to steal Jules Conte’s deal from Chelsea
Barcelona try to steal Jules Conte from Chelsea as Sevilla CB interested in Barca Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel needs defensive reinforcements this summer following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen – and he needs players ready to step in immediately. It will be a big move for Kunde if Chelsea finally seal it in the second summer transfer window they are asking for, but it is one the player deserves for his recent rise.
