Chelsea will reportedly prioritise signing 26-year-old French international Jules Kounde from Barcelona in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Spanish outlet SPORT, Jules Kounde is the subject of interest from Chelsea. The Blues are scouring the market for a centre-back heading into the summer transfer window and have identified the Barcelona mainstay as their priority target. They are ready to go all out to secure the French defender’s services ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Jules Kounde and his skyrocketing stock
Jules Kounde has established himself as one of the best defenders in the world since joining Barcelona from Sevilla in a deal worth over €50 million in July 2022. The Frenchman was among the most promising young centre-backs in La Liga when he arrived at Camp Nou. However, he has been a revelation as a right-back for most of his stint with the Blaugrana.
The 26-year-old has come leaps and bounds in the last three years, and his exploits as a right-back at FC Barcelona have compelled Didier Deschamps to use him in the position in his national team. Kounde has turned out 132 times thus far for Barcelona while chipping in with six goals and 18 assists.
Meanwhile, Kounde’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe. Premier League bigwigs, in particular, are keen on signing the French international, with Chelsea among the prospective suitors vying for his signature heading into the summer transfer window.
London calling?
Chelsea’s interest in Jules Kounde is understandable. The Blues are combing the market for a centre-back heading into the summer transfer window amid uncertainties surrounding the long-term futures of Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, and Trevoh Chalobah. In addition, Wesley Fofana’s fitness remains suspect. So, the Barcelona defender has emerged as a viable target for Chelsea.
In addition, the 26-year-old Frenchman can be an option for the right-back berth in emergency situations. Kounde has become the priority target for Chelsea, with the West London club ready to go all out to secure his services in the summer transfer window.
However, it is unclear if Barcelona will be ready to part ways with the French international, even for a big-money sum. Considering Kounde’s stature at the Catalan outfit, cashing in on him might not be sensible, even though the club’s financial situation is delicate.
