Chelsea 'working on Jules Kounde and Raphinha transfers before Roman Abramovich decided to put club up for sale'
CHELSEA were trying to sign Jules Kounde and Raphinha before Roman Abramovich decided to sell the club.
The Russian oligarch announced last week that The Blues are up for sale with an asking price of £3billion.
And that decision has made the immediate future of the club unclear, with Thomas Tuchel worried it could affect the contract renewals of Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta.
With Abramovich gone Chelsea may not possess the same spending power as they have for the last 19 years and that could scupper a move for long-term target Kounde.
But Fabrizio Romano said the defender and Leeds star Raphinha will remain on Chelsea's transfer wishlist despite the impending change in ownership.
Romano said on The Here We Go Podcast: "Chelsea were working before Abramovich put the club up for sale on Jules Kounde.
"He is still top of the list but now what is next? Who will be the new owner and what budget will they have?
"Marina Granovskaia and Petr Cech, will they stay or not? There are many questions around Chelsea now and this is why they are unable to complete agreements.
Most read in Football
CUP FOR IT FA Cup quarter-final TV games CONFIRMED with Boro vs Chelsea kicking off weekend
Richards hits out at 'double standards' after criticism for 'disrespecting' Keane
Arsenal face battle to take anything from nightmare three games in hand
Man Utd dressing room rift as bitter player brands team-mate 'teacher's pet'
FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
"The other one from Leeds – they are not negotiating with the player because in case of relegation there could be clauses in Raphinha's contract which change his price.
"But keep an eye on these two players."
The Blues were desperate to land Kounde last summer but Sevilla rejected multiple transfer bids because they did not meet the £68.5million price tag they placed on the Frenchman.
Chelsea were also keen on a January move for Raphinha along with West Ham but Leeds would not let him leave given their precarious league position.
But Leeds could cash in on the Brazilian next summer with Bayern Munich also believed to be interested in the winger.
⚽ Read our Football News Live blog for breaking news, transfer gossip and must-read stories
Source: Read Full Article