Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel wants the club to make an improved offer for Jules Kounde, who is close to joining Barcelona this summer.
According to SPORT, as relayed by Sport Witness, Chelsea could return with an improved offer for Jules Kounde as they look to beat Barcelona to the signing of the Sevilla defender.
The Jules Kounde transfer saga has been filled with several twists and turns already, with both clubs working hard to clinch the signing of the Frenchman. Chelsea seemed to have had the deal closed recently when they reached an agreement with Sevilla over a fee of around £55 million. However, Barcelona have forced their way back into contention and currently seem like the favourites to land the 23-year-old.
Barcelona have been on Kounde’s trail for a long time now, with Xavi making the French international his top priority to strengthen the defence. And after the Catalans received a major financial boost by activating the second economic lever, they upped the ante in their pursuit of Kounde and are now poised to hijack the deal and sign him from Sevilla.
It has been reported in Spain that Barcelona and Sevilla have reached an agreement over a deal for Kounde, while the defender himself has agreed personal terms over a four-year contract with the Blaugrana. So, as things stand, the Frenchman could be headed for Camp Nou. But Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is not ready to give up the pursuit of the 23-year-old.
Barcelona have received indications from Jules Koundé’s camp in the last hours: the player would be prepared to accept personal terms proposal. Xavi, also called him. ??? #FCB
Chelsea discussed personal terms with Koundé days ago, but still no green light from Sevilla/player. pic.twitter.com/7oNXcnHa66
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 24, 2022
As per the report, the German tactician has asked the Chelsea board to make an improved offer for Kounde once they return from their pre-season tour in the USA. But even if the Premier League giants return with a bigger proposal, it is unlikely to change the player’s mind, who has his heart set on a transfer to Barcelona.
It is claimed that Kounde has spoken directly with Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez and has been promised an important role at Camp Nou. So, unless there is any drastic last-minute twist, the former Bordeaux starlet could be headed to Camp Nou imminently, leaving Chelsea to look at other options to bolster their defence.
Chelsea have already brought in Kalidou Koulibaly and are working to sign Presnel Kimpembe as well. But with Kounde likely to slip out of their hands, Villarreal’s Pau Torres is being lined up as a potential alternative.
