Blues eyeing Kounde

Chelsea are reportedly interested in French star Jules Kounde.

According to ABC Sevilla, the Blues are now the frontrunners to sign the 22-year-old this summer after another impressive season in La Liga.

Kounde, who is currently away with France at the Euros, has also recently hinted at a desire for a new challenge as he continues to grow as a player.

‘I’m at a great club,’ he said ahead of France’s latest Euro 2020 fixture. ‘But obviously, I would like to evolve into a bigger team.

‘We will see what the future holds, but it is something in my head.’

The Frenchman was part of the Sevilla team that won the Europa League two season ago under Julen Lopategui. In the season just gone, they held the second-best defensive record in Spain, conceding just 21 goals in 29 games.

Kounde’s contract expires in 2024 and the report suggests the Blues will be competing with the likes of Manchester United and Real Madrid for his signature.

Deschamps praises Kante

France boss Didier Deschamps has labelled Chelsea midfielder N’Gole Kante ‘a dream to work with’ ahead of their Euro 2020 last-16 fixture against Switzerland.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, the World Cup-winning coach also identified Kante as a player who is integral to France’s chances of success at Euro 2020.

‘With Kante, he deserves all the recognition he gets,’ Deschamps said. ‘For a coach, he is a dream, for his team-mates as well.

‘He is always the first to be picked in training routines. He is an engine for the squad.’

After another big year for Chelsea, the French midfielder has continued to produce impressive performances for his national team as he looks to add another European trophy to his CV.

‘It’s about what he does on the pitch,’ Deschamps added. ‘You can be as humble as you like, but if you don’t have the quality on the pitch, you don’t get that reputation.

‘He’s not the most expressive guy, vocally expressive. What he does on the pitch is essential for the French team and all teams where he has played and plays now.’

Christensen continues to impress

Andreas Christensen has been hailed by former Danish international Niki Zimling as he continues to be influential for Denmark at Euro 2020.

Speaking to Goal, Zimling praised the Blues centre-back for his defensive performances for club and country this season.

‘I think he has shown in his games for Chelsea that he is a mature player,’ he said.‘He is still young but he plays like he has been doing it forever.’

Christensen showed his versatility against Wales when he was deployed into midfield to man-mark Aaron Ramsey.

Throughout the game, the Dane kept the midfielder quiet as his side triumphed into the next round. Denmark will meet Czech Republic in the quarter-final.

‘You don’t sense nerves of panic when he is on the ball,’ Zimling continued. ‘He looks in great shape.’