Barcelona ‘serious’ about signing France defender as Chelsea fear losing out on long-term target
Barcelona are “serious” about signing Chelsea-linked centre-half Jules Kounde from Sevilla this summer, according to reports.
The Blues reportedly agreed personal terms with the Frenchman last summer but could not agree a fee with the La Liga club.
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They remain interested in pursuing a deal this summer, especially with Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen leaving Stamford Bridge.
Christensen is likely to join Barcelona, who are not done there in terms of incoming signings.
Despite their financial situation, the Catalan club are still being linked with a number of big-money deals, which may hinge on Frenkie de Jong’s future as they look to cash in on the Dutch playmaker.
One deal which is being rumoured is one for French international defender, Kounde.
According to Fabrizio Romano (via Barca Universal), Barcelona are “serious” about signing the 23-year-old as they eye him as a long-term replacement for Gerard Pique.
Despite interest from Barcelona, Jules Kounde is conviced a move to #Chelsea is the right move for him, having negotiated with the Blues for several months.
(@lequipe)
— ⭐️ Chels HQ ⭐️ (@Chels_HQ) May 31, 2022
Romano states that Sevilla are looking to receive €55-65m after asking for €80m last year.
It is added that Chelsea are front runners for the player’s signature, however. Due to their defensive situation, they are likely to meet Sevilla’s demands, unlike Barca, who have very notable financial problems.
Meanwhile, former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has claimed that Kounde or Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly won’t be able to sufficiently replace Rudiger.
Merson believes Rudiger will be a “massive miss” and that the Blues will struggle to fill the void left by the 29-year-old.
“Antonio Rudiger’s been absolutely outstanding for Chelsea. I can’t remember him having a bad game if I’m being honest,” he said.
“He’s been consistently brilliant in the Premier League this season. Rudiger’s going to be a massive miss for Thomas Tuchel next season.
“He’s going to be a hard one to replace, and I’m not sure if the likes of Kalidou Koulibaly and Jules Kounde can fill his boots. If there is a worry for Chelsea this year, it’s finding Rudiger’s replacement.”
