Kounde is open to leaving Sevilla this summer but rejected an approach from Tottenham as they are not involved in the Champions League next season.
There were suggestions that Sevilla were becoming increasingly confident about keeping the centre-back for one more season but it seems that is unlikely to happen.
Chelsea have joined the race to sign Kounde after identifying him as a potential target for the ongoing transfer window.
According to Sky Italia, they have opened negotiations with Sevilla to take Kounde to Stamford Bridge this summer.
The Blues have also been in touch with Kounde and the defender has indicated his willingness to join the European champions.
Sevilla want big money for Kounde and it remains to be seen whether Chelsea make the kind of offer that would tempt them.
Bryan Gil’s move to Tottenham means the Spanish club are under no financial pressure to sell one of their star players.
Kounde is keen on the move and it is down to the two clubs to work out an agreement over a fee.
