Chelsea began Thomas Tuchel’s reign with 12 clean sheets in 14 games. Cesar Azpilicueta’s Stamford Bridge career was revived under him. Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen produced arguably their best form for the club. Thiago Silva continued to defy the ageing process. A side who conceded one goal in seven Champions League games defended their way to glory.
So it may feel incongruous that their next arrival could be for a centre-back. A club with a most glaring need for a goalscorer have instead signed a goalkeeper; Marcus Bettinelli, who should be third choice. Their next aim is Jules Kounde, the Sevilla centre-back who could prove the most expensive defender in this summer’s transfer market.
And yet Chelsea are entitled to argue they are financing much of a potential deal. They have raised a combined £43 million ($60m) by selling two young centre-backs, Fikayo Tomori to AC Milan and Marc Guehi to Crystal Palace. Kounde has a £68m release clause. If the serial Europa League winners want Kurt Zouma in part-exchange, that could reduce the Champions League winners’ actual outlay. So might negotiating a lower fee.
With Rudiger, Christensen and Thiago all out of contract next summer, signing Kounde would ensure a defence does not fall apart in 2022. Perhaps it would spur the German and the Dane towards a decision on their future; Rudiger has reportedly told Tuchel he is committed while the manager has made no secret of his desire to keep his compatriot. Christensen, meanwhile, can look the long-term successor to Thiago in the middle of the back three.
Perhaps Kounde could be Azpilicueta’s replacement. Certainly, at 22, he offers the promise of a decade’s service. Given the importance of an outstanding centre-back in the last two Premier League title wins, when Virgil van Dijk and Ruben Dias were exceptional, it is understandable Chelsea have targeted the position.
Kounde’s appeal has been apparent to others. He attracted Manchester City’s interest before they signed Dias. He managed a feat that eluded Dayot Upamecano and broke into France’s Euro 2020 squad, even if his only start came at right-back against Portugal. It was where he spent some of his formative years.
It is evidence of versatility; also, perhaps, that he lacks the stature of many a central defender. He is under six foot, though he possesses a prodigious leap, but was converted to a centre-back by then Bordeaux manager Gus Poyet.
He has excelled at the heart of the Sevilla defence alongside Diego Carlos. He has emerged as a very modern defender, excelling at pressing. Last season, Tuchel sometimes wanted his centre-backs to follow the man they were marking into midfield; Kounde looks very capable of following such instructions.
Kounde is also a ball-playing centre-back whose 90.7 pass completion rate in La Liga was impressive. Chelsea may note in particular that he completed 165 passes into the final third; only two centre-backs – Harry Maguire and Dias – did better in the Premier League and that ability to move the ball forward is prized. Kounde also ranked sixth in La Liga last season for progressive carrying distance; an ability to run the ball out from the back can add another dimension and brought a superb solo goal against Barcelona last season.
It could all render him the opposite of the potential departure. Zouma was arguably Chelsea’s finest centre-back in Frank Lampard’s final few months, but soon slipped down the pecking order after Tuchel’s appointment. A taller figure is more of an old-fashioned centre-back, less assured in possession but likelier to score from a set-piece. Given the uncertainty about the future of many of Chelsea’s central defenders, he could prove the man around whom they build for years.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Lamsa
Founder: Badr Ward
Launched: 2014
Employees: 60
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: EdTech
Funding to date: $15 million
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
In numbers: China in Dubai
The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000
Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000
Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
AIDA%20RETURNS
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Meydan race card
6.30pm: Maiden Dh 165,000 1,600m
7.05pm: Handicap Dh 185,000 2,000m
7.40pm: Maiden Dh 165,000 1,600m
8.15pm: Handicap Dh 190,000 1,400m
8.50pm: Handicap Dh 175,000 1,600m
9.25pm: Handicap Dh 175,000 1,200m
10pm: Handicap Dh 165,000 1,600m
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Company Profile:
Name: The Protein Bakeshop
Date of start: 2013
Founders: Rashi Chowdhary and Saad Umerani
Based: Dubai
Size, number of employees: 12
Funding/investors: $400,000 (2018)
How to improve Arabic reading in early years
One 45-minute class per week in Standard Arabic is not sufficient
The goal should be for grade 1 and 2 students to become fluent readers
Subjects like technology, social studies, science can be taught in later grades
Grade 1 curricula should include oral instruction in Standard Arabic
First graders must regularly practice individual letters and combinations
Time should be slotted in class to read longer passages in early grades
Improve the appearance of textbooks
Revision of curriculum should be undertaken as per research findings
Conjugations of most common verb forms should be taught
Systematic learning of Standard Arabic grammar
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The%20Kitchen
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Zayed Sustainability Prize