Chelsea are reportedly inching closer to the capture of Sevilla defender and Barcelona target Jules Kounde this summer.
According to AS journalist Manu Sainz on Twitter, Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Sevilla defensive mainstay Jules Kounde, with Barcelona likely to miss out on the French international.
Kounde has been a man in demand this summer, with multiple clubs like Chelsea, Barcelona and even Manchester City interested in the 23-year-old defender. He has grown leaps and bounds since joining Sevilla as a youngster from Bordeaux in 2023 and has become one of the most exciting young centre-half in Europe.
Having helped Sevilla achieve consecutive top-four finishes and win the UEFA Europa League during his time at the club, the Frenchman looks set to move on to bigger and better things this summer. A move to Barcelona seemed to be on the cards, with reports claiming that the defender had agreed personal terms with the Blaugrana.
However, as per the aforementioned report, the tables have turned now, with Chelsea emerging as the frontrunners to sign Kounde. The Blues are in the market for multiple defensive reinforcements this summer after losing Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger, while Cesar Azpilicueta could also leave.
So, Chelsea have already signed Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli and are working on a deal for PSG superstar Presnel Kimpembe. However, the Blues want to add another top-quality centre-back. Manchester City star Nathan Ake was on the agenda, but the move has fallen through, as the Premier League champions are reluctant to sell him.
It has led to Chelsea reviving their interest in Kounde, with reports claiming that the Blues have even restarted negotiations with Sevilla over a move. And now Manu Sainz has claimed that Chelsea could be inching closer to the capture of the French international. It will come as a blow for Barcelona, who were keen on adding him to their roster this summer.
Barcelona have had a terrific week with transfers, with Raphinha, Ousmane Dembele and Robert Lewandowski arriving. Kounde is next on their agenda, with a player-plus-cash offer being considered. Manager Xavi Hernandez is believed to have spoken to him as well, but as things stand, Chelsea have emerged as the frontrunners for his signing.
Whether Chelsea end up signing him or Barcelona pull off another coup like they did with Raphinha remains to be seen.