Chelsea's deal for Jules Kounde is reportedly off after Sevilla hiked their asking price.
The Blues have been targeting the centre-half for two years and it was expected that the Frenchman would become the club's next signing following the arrival of Romelu Lukaku.
But in a dramatic twist, Thomas Tuchel's men have pulled out of the race to sign Kounde, according to The Athletic.
It's claimed that Sevilla have raised their asking price by around £13m despite a verbal agreement being in place.
Chelsea have decided to pull out of the move, as a result, unless the La Liga side lower their demands.
Should Chelsea give in to Sevilla's demands for Jules Kounde? Comment below
Tuchel will address the situation in January, but is willing to make do with what he's currently got as the new season gets in full swing after their 1-1 draw against Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday.
Chelsea will be a centre-half short, however, after Kurt Zouma agreed a £30million move to West Ham at the weekend.
The French defender signed a four-year deal with the Hammers after completing a medical on Thursday.
Chelsea's plan was to put the funds from Zouma's exit towards a deal for Kounde, but as it stands that will not be the case.
Zouma, 26, was delighted to join David Moyes' men as he looks for regular first-team football after being on the periphery of the Chelsea side.
"I'm very happy and very proud," Zouma told West Ham's official website.
"My conversation with the manager went very fast. I just felt like he really wanted me to come and join the team, especially a good team that's started the season very, very well.
"With the great season that West Ham had last year, that gave the team a lot of confidence to improve this year - and I want to help the team do that."
