Blow for Chelsea as Spanish giants eye French defender

Transfer News: Barcelona keeping an eye on Chelsea target Jules Kounde

According to Sport (h/t Football London), Barcelona are keeping a keen eye on Chelsea target Jules Kounde as their manager Xavi Hernandez is said to be a huge fan of the Frenchman.

Kounde has been a long-time Chelsea target with the club trying to sign the Frenchman back in the summer but failing to do so. The Sevilla centre-back has been sensational in the La Liga in the past few seasons and is a crucial cog in Julen Lopetegui’s system.

Barcelona plays Sevilla later tomorrow night and the report claims that the Catalan giants will keep a keen eye on the 23-year-old when Lopetegui’s side travels to Camp Nou.

The French centre-back is also capable of filling in at right-back and has played 35 times for Sevilla this season across all competitions. He has been a regular in the Spanish club’s team and has also won nine caps for defending World Champions France.

However, the asking price for the Sevilla defender could be a stumbling block in negotiations for the Catalan club which may force Barcelona to change their plans.

A valuable addition?

Chelsea could be set for a defensive exodus come the end of the season with Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger both expected to be on their way out.

Whilst Cesar Azpilicueta has agreed to a one-year extension with the Blues, whether he stays at Stamford Bridge beyond this season is not sure. As things stand, Chelsea could be left with just Thiago Silva and Trevor Chalobah as centre-back options and will have to dip into the market for new defenders.

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Kounde has been a subject of long-term interest from the Blues and if the situation at the club with respect to ownership is sorted out, Chelsea could be back in negotiations with the Frenchman.

Barcelona’s interest is merely at surface level and nothing concrete has yet happened. The Blues will be hoping to beat the Catalan club and secure their target as soon as their ownership uncertainties subside.