Barcelona could pip Chelsea in transfer race for Sevilla star Jules Kounde
According to the Spanish news outlet Mundo Deportivo (h/t The Express), Barcelona are looking to enter the race to sign Sevilla star Jules Kounde amidst interest from Chelsea for a potential transfer. The former could even overthrow the English side in this pursuit to get their hands on the highly-rated defender.
Kounde has been identified by Thomas Tuchel as his priority target in the summer transfer window. The Blues are plotting to complete a move for the centre-back to deal with their defensive crisis after this season. The centre-half wants to leave Julen Lopetegui’s side this summer, and a move to Barca is still possible.
The French defender is thought to cost around £50million in transfer fees which would not price Tuchel’s team as it happened last summer. Xavi Hernandez’s side is going through a dire financial situation, but they “cannot be ruled out” as Clement Lenglet and Samuel Umtiti’s potential exits could pave the way for their pursuit of Kounde.
Chelsea must not lose to Barcelona!
Hearing the Blaugrana side’s name when associated with Chelsea news has become something common these days as they have constantly been trying to cause issues for us. After all, they have already completed the signing of Andreas Christensen, whereas Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta could join them this summer.
And now it seems that Kounde is also on their radar, giving more headaches for the west London club in the process. That being said, we must not let them gain control in this pursuit, considering our desperation to bring in a central defender at the end of this term.
Antonio Rudiger is also set to depart Tuchel’s side after this campaign, which shows our dire situation. Moreover, we cannot expect Thiago Silva to be at Stamford Bridge in the years to come indicating how important it is to complete the signing of Kounde this summer.
Fortunately, we could potentially enjoy some leeways which can be taken advantage of to deal with the La Liga side. They have some monetary trouble right now, which could lend us an advantage in this transfer race. However, we must do our best for Todd Boehly’s takeover to be completed at the earliest so that we can finalise a move before Barcelona can manage their finances through sales.
Perhaps, we could look to use the Spanish club’s interest in Azpilicueta and Alonso to concede Kounde to us in the future. While there are no indications of that happening, it does not hurt to try, as they could potentially lose out on three targets if they fail to pay heed to our demands.
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As for Sevilla, it is good to see that they have lowered their terms from £68million, which had priced us out last time. Since we can match those demands, it would be wise if an agreement could be reached as soon as possible to prevent Barca from making a case for themselves.
