Chelsea tried to use Emerson Palmieri as part of their bid for Jules Kounde, claim Sportitalia, but Sevilla requested a different player and more cash.
There are multiple reports today in England, Spain and Italy that Chelsea are in direct negotiations with Sevilla for centre-back Kounde.
The 22-year-old France international has a release clause worth €80m, but the Spaniards are expected to accept €50m plus a player.
According to Sportitalia transfer expert Gianluigi Longari, the talks have been going on for over two weeks.
He claims the original bid was cash plus Emerson Palmieri, but Sevilla did not consider the Italy international to be suited to their team.
Emerson has been repeatedly linked with a return to Serie A, where Napoli and Roma have shown interest, but baulked at the €25m asking price, especially as his Stamford Bridge contract only runs to June 2022 and he gets very little playing time under Thomas Tuchel.
🚨#Chelsea have been running discussions for #Kounde for more than 2 weeks now. They want swop + money. #CFC first tried #Emerson but #Sevilla don’t like. Sevilla want 50M or less money And a player they like. Talks ongoing @tvdellosport
— Gianluigi Longari (@Glongari) July 27, 2021