Barcelona to battle Chelsea for impressive 23-year-old La Liga ace

Barcelona interested in signing Chelsea transfer target Jules Kounde from Sevilla

According to Sport (h/t Metro), Barcelona manager Xavi has shortlisted Chelsea transfer target Jules Kounde as a possible replacement for veteran defender, Gerard Pique. 

The Frenchman has been hugely successful at Sevilla and continues to see his reputation soar. The 23-year-old has made over 100 appearances for the La Liga side, and his recent performances have made him a top transfer target for elite teams. 

An experienced yet young hand, he is the right choice to build a defence around. Kounde has all the necessary traits to become Chelsea’ lynchpin in defence for the upcoming decade.

Chelsea have been long time admirer of Kounde. Blues targeted the French youngster in the summer, and Marina Granovskaia’s board even agreed to personal terms with the defender. But the Chelsea board couldn’t meet the player’s £72m release clause and he ended up staying on at Sevilla.

Chelsea, however, have continued to keep a tab on the defender’s situation and are eyeing the right opportunity to strike a deal. But it seems the Blues have got competition. 

Barcelona manager Xavi wants to sign Kounde, who could be a long term replacement for the ageing Gerard Pique. But the Catalan club’s financial difficulties would prevent them from meeting the release clause set by Sevilla. 

Chelsea are on the verge of losing one of the best defenders in the world. Antonio Rudiger is closing in on a move away from Stamford Bridge, and it looks like this is the last season the North London team’s fans will get to enjoy the German’s quality in the Blue shirt. 

On the other hand, the contracts of Andreas Christensen, Thiago Silva and César Azpilicueta also remain unsolved. If any of the vital defenders leave in the summer, Thomas Tuchel would find himself short of options at the back. Thus, finding strong alternatives for the centre back position has become important. 

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Chelsea currently have the upper hand in the race to land Kounde. The only difficulty for Marina Granovskaia is the whopping release clause. But as Kounde is closing his end of the contract term with Sevilla, opportunities will soon open up for the Blues. In the summer, the Spanish team will be pressured to lower their guard, which could aid the Blues pursuit of the defender.