Barcelona star Jules Kounde responds to Chelsea transfer approach | Football

Chelsea have expressed interest in signing Jules Kounde but look set for disappointment in their pursuit of the Barcelona defender.

Kounde has made more than 100 appearances for Barca over the last three seasons, emerging as a key player for the club following his €55m move from Sevilla.

Chelsea tried to sign Kounde when he was at Sevilla but Barcelona won the race to bring the highly-rated Frenchman to the Nou Camp.

The move has proved to be a resounding success, with Kounde starring in Barca’s La Liga title win in 2022-23 and helping the Spanish giants climb to the top of the table this season.

Chelsea intend to sign a new centre-back this summer and are ready to revive their interest in Kounde, according to Spanish outlet Sport.

It is claimed Barca are aware of Chelsea’s interest and are working on a new contract to keep him at the club beyond his current deal which expires in 2026.

Signed predominately to play at centre-back, Kounde has in fact starred on the right this season and Barcelona are pleased with his development and versatility.

Kounde is said to be ‘very happy’ at Barca and planning to stay at the club for ‘many years’.

The 26-year-old, who has 42 caps for France, has a difficult relationship with former Barcelona boss Xavi but is thriving under his replacement, Hansi Flick.

The only factors that could persuade Kounde to change his mind and consider a move to Chelsea is the potential pay-rise on offer and the chance to play at centre-back on a regular basis.

Explaining his decision to snub Chelsea for Barcelona, Kounde said at his Nou Camp unveiling: ‘It’s true that I had the opportunity to sign for Chelsea but we had to wait for Barca to find an agreement with Sevilla.

‘When I saw that it was possible, I chose Barcelona, I was very clear about that. It’s a big club and an ambitious project.’

Barca could be set for an extraordinary season as they chase the La Liga title and Champions League trophy.

Flick’s side are currently top of La Liga, level on points with Real Madrid, while they face Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Chelsea, meanwhile, face a battle for Champions League qualification following the international break, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League.

Enzo Maresca’s side briefly threatened to rival Liverpool for the title earlier in the season but fell away dramatically following the Christmas period.

Chelsea should, however, still finish the season with some silverware ahead of the quarter-finals of the Europa Conference League.

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