Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing 25-year-old French international Jules Kounde from FC Barcelona.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Chelsea are plotting a €65 million move for 25-year-old French international defender Jules Kounde. It will be interesting to see if they can sign the Barcelona utility man in the near future.
Kounde has been linked with Liverpool as well. The Frenchman could prove to be a quality acquisition for Chelsea, and he will certainly help them tighten up at the back. Players like Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile have been quite underwhelming for Chelsea since joining the club, and both players have been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge.
The Blues will have to replace them adequately, and the Barcelona defender would be a quality long-term addition. The French international is entering his peak years, and he could play his best football for Chelsea in the coming season.
The 25-year-old has the quality to succeed in the Premier League, and he could be a key player for the club. Jules Kounde is versatile enough to operate as a central defender as well as a right-back. His versatility will be an added bonus for Chelsea if they can get the deal done.
Will Barcelona let Kounde leave?
It will be interesting to see if Barcelona are willing to sanction his departure. They are going through financial difficulties right now, and it would not be a surprise if they are tempted to cash in on the French international. Although Jules Kounde is a quality player for them, he is not an indispensable asset.
€65 million is a substantial amount of money, and the Catalan club could consider selling him if Chelsea come forward with an official proposal. Meanwhile, Chelsea will be hoping to challenge for league titles and UEFA Champions League trophies once again. They have been quite mediocre in recent season seasons.
The Blues need to sign quality players to bounce back strongly. Improving their defensive unit could prove to be a wise decision. The French international seems like the ideal acquisition for Chelsea, and it remains to be seen whether they can get the deal done. Kounde has proven himself in La Liga with Barcelona and Sevilla, and he could be tempted to prove his quality in English as well.
