The Blues are also keen to bolster their defence this summer and they are working on trying to sign Kounde from Sevilla, with reportedly rejected a move to Tottenham earlier this month.
The centre-back has a £68million release clause, however Chelsea hope a move can be done for less than that. Kurt Zouma, who has two years to run on his current contract, could be used as part of a deal.
Sevilla are under no pressure to sell as they have just banked around £20m by selling Bryan Gill to Tottenham.
They are, however, looking at possible replacements, including former Liverpool loanee Ozan Kabak of Schalke.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have completed the signing of goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli.
The 29-year-old was a free agent after leaving Fulham and has moved to Stamford Bridge on a two-year contract.
Bettinelli will be Chelsea’s new third-choice goalkeeper behind Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga.
