Players who could be affected by Kounde’s arrival at Chelsea

• Chelsea lost Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen at the start of this summer transfer window. The Blues have signed Koulibaly as one of the replacements. 
• Chelsea are also targeting Jules Kounde this summer. The Blues are already in talks with Sevilla on Kounde’s transfer fee. 
• The arrival of Kounde will affect several defenders at Chelsea. Cesar Azpilicueta is one of the players who will be affected by Kounde’s arrival. 

Several Chelsea players could be affected by Kounde’s arrival. 

Chelsea have shown interest in signing Jules Kounde from Sevilla for the past few summer transfer windows. However, the Blues are seriously interested in the French centre-back this summer after they lost Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen. 

Rudiger joined Real Madrid, whereas Christensen joined FC Barcelona. Chelsea have already brought in Kalidou Koulibaly to help fill the gap left behind by the two players. The Blues are currently following on Jules Kounde, who will be a perfect signing this summer.

Jules Kounde. Photo/ The Sun.

However, the arrival of Jules Kounde will have a negative impact on certain players at Chelsea. 

This article will look at the top three defenders who will be affected if Jules Kounde joins this summer. 

1. Trevoh Chalobah

Trevoh Chalobah is one of the best players Chelsea’s academy has produced in recent years. The centre-back is one of the academy stars who joined the seniors team at the start of last season. 

Trevoh Chalobah is one of the players who will be affected if Jules Kounde joins Chelsea. Trevoh impressed manager Thomas Tuchel during the pre-season tour last summer. He played so well that Thomas Tuchel opted to have him in his squad for the 2021-22 season. 

The England international was one of the best defenders in Chelsea’s squad last season. The Blues’ academy graduate made a total of 31 appearances across all competitions last summer. He managed to score four goals for Chelsea and was one of the most loved players by the fans. 

Trevoh will be hoping to continue with his impressive performance next season. The departure of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen has made room for Chalobah to show his ability in the defence. 

However, things might not go as planned for the England international if Jules Kounde joins this summer. Kounde plays in the same position as Trevoh Chalobah, right-centre-back.

Trevoh Chalobah. Photo/ Sky Sports.

Because Kounde is very experienced and has played against top players for several seasons, Thomas Tuchel will prefer to use him in the right-centre-back position. 

2. Cesar Azpilicueta 

Cesar Azpilicueta is one of the players attracting interest from Barcelona. However, Thomas Tuchel is unwilling to let Cesar Azpilicueta leave this summer.  

The Blues manager wants Cesar to remain at Chelsea next season. If Cesar Azpilicueta remains at Chelsea this summer, he is one of the players who will be affected by Jules Kounde’s arrival. 

Azpilicueta plays as a right-back and a right-centre-back. However, the 32-years old defender cannot match the energy of Reece James at the right-back position.

Azpilicueta, therefore, mostly plays as a right-centre-back. Jules Kounde also plays in the same position, which means the two will compete for the first eleven spot in Thomas Tuchel’s squad.

Thomas Tuchel will definitely prefer Jules Kounde over Cesar Azpilicueta due to his youthfulness and the transfer fee he will command. 

3. Levi Colwill

Levi Colwill is another player who will be affected by the arrival of Jules Kounde this summer. Colwill is an academy graduate of Chelsea. 

The 19 years old defender spent the 2021-22 season at Huddersfield, where he had a remarkable time. Levi Colwill made 29 appearances for Huddersfield, scoring two goals. He was one of the best players at Huddersfield last season.

Thomas Tuchel does not want Levi Colwill to leave this summer. Levi is currently with Chelsea’s squad playing pre-season games in the United States. 

The teenager who plays in the same position as Jules Kounde intends to find his way into the first eleven squad of Thomas Tuchel next season. However, Levi Colwill will find it difficult to get playing time at Chelsea if Kounde joins this summer transfer window. 

The arrival of Kounde could push Levi down the pecking order of defenders at Chelsea, which could to the youngster being released in January or next summer.