The representatives of Sevilla defender Jules Kounde have warned Chelsea that they must start making more of an effort to sign the Frenchman as talks continue to drag on.
Kounde has been among Chelsea’s top priorities for months now.
And, after an agreement over personal terms was reached last summer.
He was expected to be among the club’s first pieces of business this time around.
Talks remain between the two clubs, but Sevilla is adamant they will not accept a reduced fee for the 23-year-old.
He has two years remaining on his contract and continues to point to his release clause of €80m (£69m).
Chelsea has been looking to strike a deal closer to the £50m mark, but Sevilla has rebuffed such offers.
And sources close to the player have confirmed that his representatives are less than impressed with the Blues’ reluctance to increase their bid.
Kounde’s camp has made it clear to Chelsea that he still wants to move to Stamford Bridge.
But they have warned the Premier League side that they need to do more to get this deal over the line.
Especially with rival interest from Barcelona.
Chelsea is not mainly concerned by Barcelona’s interest.
And believes they are still leading the race for his signature.
But the Blues are not best pleased by the prospect of getting into a bidding war.
Should Barcelona ramp up Kounde’s price or beat Chelsea to his signature.
Then that could impact the London club’s willingness to do business with Barca later in the window.
With Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta both still keen on moves to Camp Nou.
Despite Barca’s threat, Chelsea hopes to get a deal for Kounde wrapped up in the coming weeks.
But they will have to increase their bid to convince Sevilla to sell.
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