Chelsea’s move for Jules Kounde could have happened last summer, but a transfer fee could not be agreed.
It looks almost certain that it will happen this time around, but the price is once against set to be a sticking point.
Chelsea baulked at paying the defender’s €68m release clause when it came down to in last year, and seemed convinced they would be able to get him for a lower price this time around.
That may well still be true – the France international is a year closer to the end of his contract after all.
But there are other factors coming in to play now. SportWitness note that the sale of Kounde’s central defensive partner Diego Carlos to Aston Villa for €35m is going to set a high bar, given that Kounde is much younger and much more highly rated.
Given that, even if Chelsea do end up getting a discount on the €68m , it’s unlikely to be a big one.
Unfortunately Chelsea’s extreme spending power has come to an end. The new investors have financial limitations that are far below City, Newcastle and even Villa’s owners. The years of Premier League Championship wins are gone for now.