Sevilla close in on Kakuta deal but unsure on Konoplyanka chances
UEFA Europa League winners Sevilla are confident of signing Chelsea forward Gael Kakuta, says director of sport Monchi.
![](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/THjuJTEWPZCyd3gTwLZASS.jpg)
Sevilla director of sport Monchi has confirmed the UEFA Europa League winners are close to completing a deal with Chelsea for Gael Kakuta.
The French forward spent last season on loan in La Liga with Rayo Vallecano, scoring five goals in 35 league appearances.
His displays caught the eye of Sevilla and Monchi is confident they can seal a move for the 23-year-old in the coming weeks.
"The deal is quite close, although nothing has been closed yet," he said. "Talks with Chelsea and the player are at an advanced stage so I'm feeling quite optimistic that it will go through."
However, a swoop for highly rated Dnipro forward Yevhen Konoplyanka remains in the balance, with a host of clubs across Europe also reported to be interested in acquiring his services.
Monchi added: "It's complicated. There are a lot of ifs and buts, and we're facing stiff competition from other clubs.
"He's got strong ties to Dnipro and doesn't want to leave them in the lurch.
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
"A lot of clubs are chasing him but the Sevilla brand name will give us an increased chance.
"But being completely objective, it's not going to be easy at all."
![LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 5: Arne Slot Manager of Liverpool congratulates Mohamed Salah of Liverpool after the 4-0 victory during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Liverpool FC and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Anfield on November 5, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/q3ie7X2vDDiU7X6C9HVRK7-840-80.jpg)
‘The pure simplicity of the way Slot has managed the squad is probably the biggest thing I could say about him. It’s not broken, so let’s get on with it’: Liverpool legend full of admiration for Jurgen Klopp's successor at Anfield
![CARDIFF, UNITED KINGDOM - JUNE 02: Wales captain Ryan Giggs shakes the hand of manager John Toshack after being substituted on his last International appearance for his country during the Euro 2008 Group D Qualifying Match between Wales and Czech Republic at the Millennium Stadium on June 2, 2007 in Cardiff, Wales. Photo by (Stu Forster/Getty Images)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ooQ9oNmgvfUUG8TBUhn6BK-840-80.jpg)
‘I trained at Spurs and thought they’d give me a chance. But I received a letter thanking me but saying they didn’t think I was good enough – I was gutted’: How Tottenham missed out on signing Wales legend John Toshack