“No issues at all”- Xavi quashes claims of rift with Barcelona star on Chelsea’s radar

Xavi has quashed rumours of Chelsea target Jules Kounde leaving Barcelona

Xavi has disputed that Jules Kounde has been linked with a move to Chelsea, noting that there are concerns and that the defender is not satisfied at the club.

It was previously stated that Kounde had grown dissatisfied with his playing position at Barcelona, having spent the entire season operating as a right-back.

Later, it was claimed that the French defender was ready to leave the club, with Chelsea and Manchester United both interested in signing him.

Following the emergence of speculation, Kounde himself has refuted those linkages and stated that he is not leaving the club and has never asked them to leave. In his inaugural campaign with the Catalan giants, the 24-year-old has appeared in 38 matches.

However, (h/t Metro), manager Xavi has dismissed these allegations from a dissatisfied former Sevilla defender and stated:

‘’Once again, with Kounde, there is not and has not been any problem. He’s a fundamental piece of our team. Jules is a top professional, and we’re very happy with him. I don’t understand why, in the media, people report that there are problems. No issues at all.’’

Chelsea going for Kounde wouldn’t make sense to some given their defence is already stacked with the likes of Benoit Badiashile, Lewi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, and Trevoh Chalobah, while Thiago Silva and Kalidou Koulibaly’s futures remain uncertain for next season.

Also, he is not the type of player who can be used as a backup defender; he certainly wants to start all the matches. But let’s not forget his quality and versatility – he is a quality defender who can also play as a right-back, an area where Reece James lacks backup.

More Chelsea News:

• Chelsea beat Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund to sign Kendry Paez
• Chelsea loanee Levi Colwill claims he is still focused on Brighton Hove & Albion
• Mason Mount is preparing a goodbye in Chelsea’s last game this weekend

Hence, a move for Kounde would be an upgrade for us. But if we don’t sign him – and Barcelona don’t look eager to sell him – then it won’t be the end of the world. For that, however, Koulibaly will have to step up and Fofana must look after his fitness.