Chelsea launch Jules Kounde transfer offer as first summer signing edges closer

The summer transfer window is now open and it’s the start of a really busy few months for Chelsea. The Blues are set to revamp their squad in order to try and get closer to the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City next season.

Thomas Tuchel knows he has a big challenge ahead of him to try and mount a serious title challenge with Chelsea, but it is one that can be achieved if the recruitment is right this summer. It’s easier said than done, of course, but a busy summer period is expected either way.

So, with this being said, football.london takes a look at three of the hottest rumours/news that has circulated online recently…

READ MORE: Chelsea handed big Christopher Nkunku transfer blow amid Manchester United interest

Kounde bid launched

Chelsea have submitted a €50million (£42.6m) bid for Sevilla defender Jules Kounde in recent days. That’s according to a report from Marca, via Sport Bible, who say that the offer was made ‘in recent days’.

football.london understands Kounde is a priority for the Blues this summer as Tuchel looks to bolster his options in defence. The report does also claim, though, that Sevilla are in no rush to sell Kounde having recently sold Diego Carlos to Aston Villa.

Slonina deal close

Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Chicago Fire’s teenage goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina, football.london has been told. The 18-year-old was also of interest to Real Madrid but it looks as if the Blues have won the race.

The Blues sounded out a move for Slonina in February of this year, with the confidence they could agree a deal for the shot-stopper, but the sanctions imposed on former owner Roman Abramovich complicated the process. It’s likely that Slonina will be loaned out next season to try and gain more first-team experience.

Loftus-Cheek decision

According to The Mail, Chelsea are considering using Ruben Loftus-Cheek in a possible swap deal with Inter Milan for defender Milan Skriniar. The Blues have an interest in the Inter defender and could try to minimise costs by using one of their players.

Loftus-Cheek has been linked with a move to Inter recently so there may well be an interest there from the Italian club. Paris Saint-Germain, though, are said to also be interested in Skriniar, meaning Chelsea would face some serious competition for the centre-back’s signature.