Chelsea Identify First Summer Signing Once Takeover Is Completed

• Chelsea are in the market for a top central defender who will replace Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen
• Both Rudiger and Christensen are set to depart the club at the end of the season, with both players moving to the La Liga
• The Blues are said to have identified Sevilla's Jules Kounde for the role and are looking to sign him once the club's takeover bid is complete
• Kounde came close to moving to Stamford Bridge last summer but the transfer fell through after the Blues failed to meet his valuation

Chelsea have reportedly prioritised the signing of Sevilla defender Jules Kounde once the UK government end.

The need to reinforce their defence has become apparent in recent weeks, with the West London club in line to lose a host of defenders at the end of the season.

Antonio Rudiger headlines a list of defenders set to quit the Blues as the Germany international prepares to move to Real Madrid.

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Others who are in line to follow Rudiger include Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta who have been backed to join Barcelona.

Chelsea turn to Jules Kounde to replace Rudiger, Christensen

Goal reports the Blues have now turned to Kounde to fill the void left by Rudiger and Christensen.

According to the publication, Chelsea are keen to land a top central defender and have shortlisted Kounde for the role.

The report adds that both Chelsea and Sevilla are desperate to complete the transfer as early as possible, with the latter looking to find a replacement for Kounde in time.

Kounde was close to sealing a move to Stamford Bridge last summer, but the move fell through after Thomas Tuchel's side failed to meet his valuation.

The 23-year-old is understood to have a verbal agreement in place about departing Sevilla at the end of the season and has set his sights on linking up with Tuchel.

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Chelsea reach deal to sign Ivan Perisic

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Ivan Perisic is a few steps away from completing a sensational summer move to Chelsea.

Perisic is said to be on the verge of departing the Italian club after failing to reach a deal with Inter over a new deal.

Italian journalist Sandro Sabatini claims Perisic's move to Stamford Bridge is imminent, with only a few details of the transfer yet to be finalised,