London giants Chelsea are reportedly ready to fork out €150 million to sign versatile Barcelona defenders Jules Kounde and Ronald Araujo.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Jules Kounde and Ronald Araujo are the subjects of interest from Chelsea. The Blues are keen on reinforcing their backline next year and have set their sights on the versatile Barcelona defenders. The Premier League heavyweights are ready to cough up €150 million to sign the duo in 2025.
Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo and their Barcelona careers
Jules Kounde and Ronald Araujo have been top-class performers for Barcelona during their spells with the Blaugrana. The latter has been with the Catalan outfit for half a dozen years and has been a mainstay at the back for them in the last few seasons.
The 25-year-old has turned out 150 times thus far for Barcelona while chipping in with eight goals and five assists. As for Kounde, the Frenchman has been with the Catalan outfit since arriving from Sevilla in July 2022. He has gone from strength to strength in the last two years, excelling as a right-back and a centre-back.
The French international has turned out over 100 times thus far for Barcelona while chipping in with four goals and 14 assists. Kounde’s progress in the last two years has not gone unnoticed, while his Barcelona teammate is also a hot property in the market. Chelsea will be one of his prospective suitors for the two versatile defenders.
London calling?
Chelsea’s interest in Jules Kounde and Ronald Araujo is understandable. The Blues are scouring the market for a centre-back and a right-back ahead of the two transfer windows next year. With Reece James struggling with persistent fitness issues, Kounde can be a long-term right-back solution for Chelsea.
As for Araujo, with Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile facing an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge, the Uruguayan international can be the long-term central defensive partner for Levi Colwill. The latest report has revealed that the Blues are ready to cough up €150 million to sign the Barcelona duo next year.
With Barcelona struggling with financial issues, recouping €150 million from Araujo and Kounde’s sale to Chelsea might be appealing. However, the two defenders have the level and ceiling to command a higher combined fee.
