Chelsea Agree Personal Terms With £68m-Rated French Defender As Zouma Nears Exit

• Jules Kounde could be announced as a Chelsea player in the coming days following the recent development at the club
• The Premier League club and France international have reportedly reached an agreement on personal terms
• West Ham United have met the asking price of Kurt Zouma which who have fallen from Thomas Tuchel's pecking order

Jules Kounde has reportedly agreed personal terms with Chelsea and an announcement is set to be made in the coming days, reports claim.

The France international is will reportedly sign a five-year deal which is set to expire in 2026 for a fee around the region of £68million.

However, the Blues will have to reach an agreement with La Liga giants Sevilla regarding his release clause.

On the other hand, Chelsea would have to sell to be able to buy Kounde as reports claim Kurt Zouma is close to joining West Ham on a permanent deal.

The London club have agreed a £25m asking price for the out-of-favour French center-back which will pave way for Kounde's deal to pull through in the week.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the only thing left for Chelsea to agree a deal with Sevilla over their young centre-back Kounde.

"Jules Kounde has an agreement on personal terms with Chelsea until June 2026 since weeks.

"He’s ready to join if the two clubs reach an agreement but he’ll be respectful with Sevilla, not forcing his move.

"Zouma to West Ham, key to proceed. Talks ongoing on personal terms."

Meanwhile, Legit.ng had earlier reported that Thomas Tuchel has been waxing lyrical about his new summer signing Romelu Lukaku after making a scoring debut in Chelsea colours, Mirror.

The Belgian striker opened his account for the season in the 14th minute in the 2-0 win over Arsenal at the Emirates.

And the 28-year-old was a thorn in the flesh for Gunners defenders and midfielders as Lukaku's physical presence held them off on several occasions.

Legit.ng also reported that Jules Kounde has become a summer target for Chelsea following the France international's five-star display for club and country last season, Guardian, Sky Sports.

The 22-year-old who plays for La Liga side Sevilla has been linked to several clubs in Europe and is regarded as one of the best performers in the centre-back role last campaign.

He joined up with the French squad at European Championships and was featured in the 1-1 draw against Hungary.