Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde is one of five names to have been added to Thomas Tuchel's transfer shortlist as he looks to strengthen Chelsea's central-defensive options this summer.
That is according to a report by The Athletic, who say that Tuchel is now busy putting plans in place ahead of the transfer window opening following the conclusion of the 2020/21 season.
Tuchel, who guided Chelsea to UEFA Champions League glory on Saturday evening, beating Manchester City 1-0 at the Estadio do Dragao in Porto, is keen to strengthen his defensive options this summer, despite Thiago Silva, who is close to signing a new deal at Stamford Bridge, Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta performing admirably at centre-back in the second half of the season.
It is thought that Tuchel wants to bring in a younger player to add competition for places, with The Athletic stating that Tuchel has drawn up a shortlist of five possible options.
The names on the list are Niklas Sule of Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid ace Jose Gimenez, Villarreal's Pau Torres, Sevilla defender Jules Kounde and Maxence Lacroix of Wolfsburg.
Of those five, Sule and Gimenez would most probably be deemed the most experienced, meaning they could be suitable candidates if Tuchel was to wish to find someone similar to the options he already has. But if he opts for a youthful, exciting prospect then Kounde could be just the ticket.
And if Kounde, who has been included in France's squad for Euro 2020, is the option he wishes to pursue, Tuchel may fancy his chances of convincing Chelsea's hierarchy to try and get a deal over the line.
That is because Kounde has recently admitted that the prospect of him leaving Sevilla this summer is very much possible.
"Regarding my future, it is certain that I will perhaps have to change clubs this summer, but nothing has been finalised yet, I have not decided anything," said Kounde.
"My goal is to play in a big club to try to always progress and to win trophies.
"I might have to move, but that’s not relevant today."
With Chelsea having won the Champions League and likely to be in an even stronger position next season to compete for even more silverware, a move to Stamford Bridge could be exactly what Kounde needs to fulfil his ambitions.
It was recently reported by The Athletic that Sevilla would listen to offers of around £50million to sell the Frenchman, meaning any deal will not be cheap.
But considering that the Blues have grand ambitions to return to the top of English football after conquering Europe, they know they will have to spend money.
However, Kounde, at the age of just 22, could be seen as an ideal long-term investment to solve Tuchel's long-term defensive problem.
