Jules Kounde says he is ‘focused’ on enjoying a successful campaign at Sevilla after a ‘hectic’ summer transfer window in which he was linked with Chelsea.
The Blues identified Kounde as their key defensive target and lodged an offer of £47m for the sought-after French defender, widely regarded as one of the finest young centre-backs in Europe.
But Chelsea were priced out of a deal, with Sevilla demanding more than £60m for Kounde, and the Frenchman was reportedly left ‘furious’ with the La Liga side for blocking his path to the London club.
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Chelsea strengthened their attack and midfield with the addition of Saul Niguez and Romelu Lukaku, but they remain intent on bolstering their defensive options and could revive a move for Kounde’s signature in January.
But, it appears Kounde is happy at the Spanish club and keen to put the speculation behind him, with the club currently third in La Liga after a good start to the season.
‘We all know the summer has been hectic, I wouldn’t say complicated. But that’s the past now,’ Kounde said at a press conference on Tuesday.
‘I am focused on the team. The most important performance is on the pitch. ‘The team needs me and I need the team too to give my best and that’s what I’m trying to do.
‘So far I’m happy with the results of the team and my personal performances, although I can still improve and have a better season than the previous one.’
Sevilla played a 1-1 draw at home to RB Salzburg in their opening Champions League game this campaign and Kounde is hoping for an improved display against Wolfsburg this evening.
‘I don’t know if this is the most difficult team in the group. It does not concern us. We’ll see tomorrow,’ he added.
‘We basically have to focus on ourselves and play our game. ‘Our first game was difficult and we made mistakes, but that’s the past.
‘We have to focus on our next game which will also be a key game like any other in the Champions League. It is the most demanding competition. We have long forgotten this first game.’
