Jules Kounde's move to Chelsea takes a new turn as the star'shares feelings' about the Barcelona deal
JULES KOUNDE is attracting interest from a number of top clubs as Sevilla prepares to cash in.
Jules Kounde is said to have told Sevilla that he would rather join Barcelona than Chelsea this summer. The Catalans are thought to be considering a swap deal that would allow them to avoid the financial demands of the deal, leaving the Blues high and dry in their pursuit of two new centre-backs before the start of next season.
Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen have already agreed to leave Chelsea on free transfers, joining Real Madrid and Barcelona, respectively. This leaves Thomas Tuchel with two first-team spots open to fill while dealing with new owner Todd Boehly.
Having engaged in numerous negotiations with Sevilla over the last 12 months, Kounde was viewed by many to be a banker for Chelsea this summer. However, in a major setback for the Blues, Mundo Deportivo claims that the Frenchman has told his club that a move to Barcelona is his preferred option.
A fee of around £50 million would be no problem for Chelsea or Newcastle United, both of whom have expressed interest in the 23-year-old. However, Barcelona is reportedly considering whether Sevilla would accept a potential swap offer.
Full-back flying Sergino Dest has been mentioned as a possible option for Barcelona, with Sevilla still relying on 36-year-old Jesus Navas on the right side of defense. The American would be worth around £20 million.
According to Spanish media, Chelsea will miss out on Jules Kounde, with the Sevilla defender in advanced talks to join Barcelona instead.
The Frenchman has been Thomas Tuchel’s top transfer target for the best part of a year, with the west Londoners having agreed terms with the centre-back last summer only for the deal to collapse as Sevilla played hardball over a fee.
Chelsea were set to make a second attempt to sign the 23-year-old after losing both Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen on free transfers this summer.
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