Barcelona could reportedly offer Sergino Dest or Clement Lenglet in a deal to land Jules Kounde, a target for Chelsea and Newcastle United.
According to a report by Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona will look to bring down the transfer fee for Jules Kounde by offering Sevilla a part-exchanging deal, including Sergino Dest or Clement Lenglet. The French international is also a target for Chelsea and Newcastle United.
Jules Kounde has been on a constantly upward trajectory since moving to Sevilla from Bordeaux nearly three years ago. Now widely regarded as one of the best defenders in La Liga, the 23-year-old has established himself as a crucial player for club and country, establishing a foothold in the French national side.
The youngster has made 132 appearances for Sevilla while chipping in with nine goals and three assists thus far. Kounde’s exploits have not gone unnoticed either, with some of the most high profile clubs across Europe, including Barcelona, Chelsea and Newcastle United, setting their sights on him.
The interest from Barcelona stems from the inconsistencies of most centre-backs in Xavi Hernandez’s squad. The Catalan giants have thus reportedly deemed Samuel Umtiti, Clement Lenglet and Oscar Mingueza surplus to requirements. In addition, Gerard Pique is in the twilight of his career, prompting Barcelona to search for a long-term successor and bringing Kounde into the picture.
As for Chelsea, the Blues will have to invest in at least one central defender in the summer transfer window, as Antonio Rudiger looks set to join Real Madrid on a free transfer, while Andreas Christensen will likely complete a Bosman move to Barcelona. Kounde is thus a viable target for Chelsea, with recent reports claiming he has reached an agreement on personal terms with them.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United’s squad overhaul will continue in the summer transfer window, and signing a centre-back could be high on their agenda. The Magpies brought in Dan Burn in the January transfer window, while Fabian Schar has been reinvigorated under Eddie Howe. But Jamaal Lascelles has been underwhelming, prompting Newcastle to search for a new centre-back.
Kounde is reportedly ready to leave Sevilla, but Chelsea’s quick move in his pursuit could force Barcelona to take decisive action. And the Catalan giants are prepared to offer a part-exchange deal to Sevilla to land Kounde.
Barcelona could offer Sergino Dest or Clement Lenglet, with Sevilla open to receiving the former in a part-exchange deal amid Jesus Navas’s advancing years. Sevilla’s stance on a hybrid transfer will likely force Newcastle United and Chelsea to step up their efforts to land the 23-year-old, setting up an intriguing transfer saga.
