Chelsea are beaten to Jules Kounde by ambitious Barcelona

 

Barcelona are reportedly set to sign Jules Kounde from Sevilla during the current transfer window, following another intense battle with Chelsea. The 23-year-old has been Xavi's top target to bolster his backline this summer. Chelsea, on the other hand, had been pushing hard and were thought to have reached an agreement with Sevilla, only for the Blaugrana to claw their way back into the race, as they did with Raphinha.

According to reports, Kounde's arrival at Camp Nou could be imminent, with Barça having agreed to a €60 million deal with Sevilla, as well as terms on a four-year contract with the French international. If signed, Kounde will be another excellent signing for the Blaugrana, adding to Xavi's defensive roster heading into the new season. The Premier League club thought they had a deal in place for the France international this summer. They had agreed to pay Sevilla's £55 million valuation for a five-year contract.

Barcelona, on the other hand, has been in Chelsea's rear view mirror for some time. They initially told Kounde to hold on, believing that they could eventually reach an agreement with Sevilla.

And, having caught wind of Barcelona's interest, Kounde appears to be rejecting Chelsea for the Camp Nou. According to the Daily Mail, the La Liga club has agreed to pay an initial £46 million plus add-ons. Barcelona may be paying less for Kounde, but Sevilla has been enticed by the prospect of more cash up front. Coupled with the player’s desire, Chelsea, in reality, had little chance of signing the Frenchman when Barcelona emerged.

Barcelona's belief in the importance of signing full-backs has not changed. Xavi Hernandez has been desperate to add depth there, but they have yet to do so. Jordi Alba currently has no competition, and they see right-back as a weakness.

The recent developments have enraged Chelsea executives, according to the newspaper. To add to previous reports, the Blues are said to have blocked Barcelona from signing Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso. Chelsea have had enough of Barcelona. Thomas Tuchel's recent comments would imply as much, and not just because they swooped to sign Kounde.

The Blues were also said to be disappointed that the Catalans signed Andreas Christensen on a free transfer and then attempted to sign Azpilicueta in the same way.

Barcelona, on the other hand, insists that they are on good terms with Chelsea, and sources at the Camp Nou say that they have good, fluid communication with the Premier League club. Barcelona will consider their summer business completed if they sign Azpilicueta and Alonso. If they do not arrive, alternative full-back options will be sought.

If Barcelona signs Kounde, he will almost certainly start, given how hard Xavi pushed for his signing and the potential outlay on his transfer. And, given his outstanding form over the last year, Ronald Araujo is a foregone conclusion in the starting lineup. The Uruguayan and the Frenchman will form a formidable defensive partnership that opponents will struggle to overcome.

Jordi Alba cannot be overlooked in the left-back position. Even though Barça would prefer a new right back, they may be forced to stick with Sergino Dest if the Cesar Azpilicueta deal falls through.