Manchester City will reportedly compete with Chelsea and Manchester United in the race to sign Jules Kounde from Barcelona this summer.
According to a report by Spanish outlet SPORT, Jules Kounde is the subject of interest from Manchester City. The Premier League champions have joined the race to sign the disgruntled Barcelona defender. And the Frenchman is also a target for Chelsea, Manchester United, and Arsenal.
Jules Kounde would have hoped to be the long-term successor to Gerard Pique when he joined Barcelona from Sevilla last summer. But Barcelona’s right-back woes have forced Xavi Hernandez to utilise the 24-year-old as a makeshift right-back. And while he has excelled in the role, he is not content with the situation.
The French international wants to play as a centre-back next season and is frustrated with reprising the right-back role. Meanwhile, Kounde’s market value has stagnated at €60 million. But the player’s situation has captured the attention of several high-profile clubs, including Manchester City, Chelsea, and Manchester United.
The Barcelona defender has been on Manchester City’s radar for a long time. And the Premier League champions have made previous attempts to secure Kounde’s services, albeit to no avail. But Manchester City’s continued interest in the Frenchman is understandable, considering Aymeric Laporte faces an uncertain future at the Etihad.
On the other hand, Chelsea tried to sign Kounde last summer before he joined Barcelona. But the Blues remain keen on securing the player’s services amid his brewing frustrations. And with Thiago Silva in the twilight of his storied career, the Barcelona defender can be a long-term successor to the Brazilian at Chelsea.
Meanwhile, Manchester United recently joined the race to sign the 24-year-old. And with Harry Maguire’s future uncertain, the Barcelona defender can be the Englishman’s replacement. In addition, Raphael Varane will unlikely be a long-term central defensive solution. So Kounde can be Lisandro Martinez’s centre-back partner for several years.
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Apart from Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United, Kounde is also a target for Arsenal. And if he decides to leave Barcelona, the four Premier League clubs will likely pounce to secure his services. It will be interesting to see what the future has in store for the French international.
