Chelsea have been handed a boost as the prepare to begin talks with long-standing target Jules Kounde over a summer move to Stamford Bridge.

The Blues came close to signing the Sevilla defender last summer and agreed personal terms but a last-minute change of heart from the Spaniards led to the Frenchman remaining in LaLiga.

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Spanish outlet La Colina de Nervion reported that Sevilla are in advanced negotiations with Strasbourg’s highly-rated Ghanaian defender Alexander Djiku, leaving the door open for Chelsea to agree a deal for Kounde.

According to 90min, Kounde is still prioritising a move to west London with his desire to link up with Tuchel described as ‘unwavering.’

The 23-year-old who has two years left to run on his current deal, starred 44 times for the Spanish side last season, registering three goals as he helped Sevilla qualify for next season’s Champions League.

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel could finally get his man this summer as the Blues look to bolster their defensive options.

Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta look set to move on when their contracts expire later this month and Antonio Rudiger has already confirmed his free transfer to Champions League winners Real Madrid.

Marcos Alonso has stated his desire to return to his native Spain with Barcelona monitoring his situation, potentially leaving Tuchel with a defensive crisis on his hands with only Thiago Silva and Trevoh Chalobah left as recognised centre-backs 

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With the club’s takeover by Todd Boehly now complete, Chelsea are again able to enter the transfer market to find replacements for their departing stars.

Chelsea finished third in the Premier League after a stuttering end to the season that also saw them relinquish their Champions League crown in a frantic tie against eventual winners Real Madrid.

After a strong start to the season, Chelsea looked nailed-on to mount a serious title challenge but ran out of steam in the second-half of the season culminating in sanctions placed on the club and former owner Roman Abramovich following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.