Barcelona ‘set to HIJACK Chelsea in their pursuit of Sevilla defender Jules Kounde’ with the French defender in ‘advanced talks to join the Catalan giants this summer’ in huge blow to Thomas Tuchel’s ambitions
- Jules Kounde has been a top target for Chelsea for the best part of the last year
- Barcelona reportedly though are in advanced talks to sign the Sevilla player
- Xavi’s side could secure the French centre-back for a fee worth £51million
- Thomas Tuchel is determined to bring in defensive options this summer
Chelsea could miss out on long-term target Jules Kounde who is reportedly in advanced talks with a move to Barcelona.
The Sevilla defender has been Thomas Tuchel’s top target for the past year having seen a deal collapse for the 23-year-old last summer when the two clubs were unable to agree on a fee.
Catalunya Radio have now reported that the French international is in ‘advanced talks’ over a move to the Nou Camp this summer.
Barcelona are reportedly in ‘advanced talks’ to sign Sevilla defender Jules Kounde
It would be a massive blow for Chelsea who have long viewed Kounde as a top target
It’s said that Barcelona have ‘agreed a deal in principle’ with their LaLiga rivals, which would see them pay £51million and send a player in the opposite direction.
Barcelona are trying to include American international Sergino Dest in the move – who has been linked to a host of clubs across Europe this summer.
Should Kounde make the switch to the Catalan giants, it could see him play alongside Andreas Christensen who is departing Chelsea at the end of his contract.
A move for Kounde could see Sergino Dest head in the opposite direction to join Sevilla
Xavi’s side are already on the verge of announcing a deal for Chelsea’s Andreas Christensen
Kounde was seen as the top target to replace Christensen and Antonio Rudiger who has been confirmed to be joining Real Madrid at the end of the month.
It could spell the end for Gerard Pique at Barcelona after he was said to be told he was no longer needed at the club due to his ”unprofessional conduct’.
The move would come as a massive blow to Tuchel and Chelsea who are already playing catch up after the sanctions imposed on them due to former owner Roman Abramovich.