Chelsea were keen on bringing Jules Kounde to Stamford Bridge back in the 2022 summer transfer window.
However, Kounde ended up joining Barcelona from Sevilla instead in a blow to Thomas Tuchel, who was still Chelsea manager at the time.
It now looks like the Blues could make another swoop for the defender, but Barcelona’s stance and the player’s release clause will make signing him a challenge.
At the end of December, it was reported that Chelsea want to sign an experienced centre-back, which could see the club stray from their usual transfer policy.
The Marc Guehi ship has sailed… Any experienced alternatives that come to mind ahead of this summer?
Antonio Rudiger? Ibrahima Konate? Marcos Senesi? 👀
Marc Guehi of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester City
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Jules Kounde of FC Barcelona and Marc Cucurella of Chelsea FC compete for the ball
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Jules Kounde ‘non-transferable’
According to Sport, while Chelsea are interested in Kounde once again, Barcelona deem the 27-year-old as “non-transferable” and remain calm about his future.
The Club World Cup winners are also unable to trigger Kounde’s release clause, as it is currently set at €1bn (£870m).
Since joining Barcelona from Sevilla, Kounde has mostly played at right-back. At his former club, though, he was used in central defence.
In an interview following his switch to the Spotify Camp Nou, Kounde confirmed he spoke to Tuchel about joining Chelsea, but the German could not convince him in the end.
Kounde is not the only defender who is on the Blues’ radar. Journalist Simon Phillips recently claimed that Chelsea are also tracking Atletico Madrid’s Marc Pubill.
Jules Kounde of FC Barcelona warms up
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Why Chelsea shouldn’t give up on Jules Kounde so easily
As things stand, Kounde moving to Chelsea this summer looks very unlikely. With that being said, it is still worth making an attempt to sign the Frenchman, who cost Barcelona roughly £42m.
Who would you sell out of Benoit Badiashile and Tosin Adarabioyo? 👋
Let us know who and why!
Tosin Adarabioyo and Benoit Badiashile of Chelsea react
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Kounde is 27 years of age, has made more than 150 appearances for Barcelona and has won 46 caps for France. He can add the kind of experience that Liam Rosenior’s squad is currently missing.
Again, the France international is also very versatile, capable of playing at right-back or in central defence.
As well as Pubill, Chelsea have also been linked with Murillo, so he could be another option if Kounde really is untouchable this summer.
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