Sevilla’s director of football Monchi has offered a withering assessment of Chelsea ’s pursuit of Jules Kounde.
The central defender has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, with the hope that a deal can be agreed before the deadline at 11pm on Tuesday.
Thomas Tuchel is keen to bring in another centre-back and has earmarked Kounde as his top target.
The Chelsea boss is facing a difficult situation in the heart of his defence following Kurt Zouma’s exit and the fact Thiago Silva, Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen all have just one year remaining on their deals.
There is still a chance that the Blues could advance in their negotiations before the window closes, but Monchi’s latest update doesn’t make it seem likely.
The Sevilla chief explained: "The only written, formal offer from Chelsea came last Wednesday, around 5pm. We weren't satisfied with the offer, and it was linked to Chelsea selling a player.
"It was a decent fee but it didn't meet our criteria.
“We responded with a counter-offer that had an expiry date, which was Friday. Since Friday, until now, there has been no contact whatsoever with Chelsea.”
Kounde was left out of Sevilla’s 1-1 draw with Elche and Monchi admitted that was down to the transfer speculation, although the Premier League club have yet to re-establish contact over the weekend.
He continued: "We haven't spoken with Chelsea since Friday night. We all decided that it was best Jules didn't travel to Elche.
"It's normal for players to be affected by news of any kind. Last year he had interest from City and now Chelsea this year.
"Koundé's clause never went up to €90million. It has always been €80million."
Speaking last week, Chelsea boss Tuchel revealed that negotiations were ongoing in regards to further additions, with Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Bettinelli the only senior signings during the window.
"We're hoping. We still have some ideas and we're trying,” Tuchel said on Friday. “Not all decisions are taken regarding also to our squad, some negotiations are going on and we're aware of all the situations.
"Hoping in the sense of needing something to make the coach happy or be competitive, absolutely not.
“I am happy with the squad as it is and I have a lot of confidence that we will be competitive at a high level.
"All eyes are open and we're aware of all situations. You never know in football but at the moment, we're focused on the game tomorrow.
“Then there are not many takes to take big decisions. But we're all good so far."
