Chelsea are still interested in Jules Kounde ahead of the summer and is reportedly willing to pay €100 million, as Barcelona would like to extend his stay.
According to Sport, Barcelona could brace for a big offer from Chelsea for Jules Kounde in the summer. The Premier League giants are reportedly willing to pay €100 million to sign the 26-year-old Barcelona mainstay, although the Spanish giants are eager to extend the defender’s stay at the club.
Chelsea are making big plans for the summer, with Enzo Maresca’s side needing some key reinforcements in the close season. One of them is clearly strengthening the No.9 position, while there are talks of signing a wide attacker, with the likes of Alejandro Garnacho linked with a move.
Chelsea are also willing to pay big for Kaoru Mitoma, while there are links to many striker names, such as Benjamin Sesko, among others. On the other hand, they clearly have defensive requirements, with the right side of the backline particularly intriguing, as there might be a need to bring fresh faces.
There are long-term concerns over Reece James, while Malo Gusto has not performed at his expected levels. Meanwhile, Wesley Fofana has been injured again, as fitness concerns for the Frenchman have been a common theme since his big money from Leicester City. The performance of the other centre-backs has called for further reinforcements in the role.
Chelsea are now looking to re-ignite their interest in Jules Kounde, as they were interested in the Frenchman as well as Ronald Araujo ahead of the January window. The Blues are reportedly willing to pay €100 million to sign the Frenchman and probably offer him a role in the centre of the defence rather than play as a right back.
Barcelona are eager to keep Jules Kounde
Barcelona are eager to ensure Kounde stays at the club, with the Catalans willing to hand the defender a new deal. There were concerns with his playing style under Xavi Hernandez, but things have smoothened out under Hansi Flick, with the 26-year-old Barcelona mainstay seemingly open to playing in his current role.
The club’s recognition of Kounde as a key player in their squad, as well as their easing pressure with the financial situation, will not force a sale of a player like the Frenchman. Moreover, the 26-year-old is happy at the club, as all those factors will make it difficult for Chelsea to pursue the defender.
