Chelsea are now planning to make an aggressive move for a Barcelona star, with the La Liga heavyweights willing to cash-in for £70m this summer.
Blues eyeing summer additions after emphatic Port Vale victory
The Blues booked their place in the next round of the FA Cup courtesy of a 7-0 demolition of League One side Port Vale on Saturday, with Liam Rosenior's side set to take on Leeds United in the semi-final at Wembley later this month.
As such, the west Londoners should stand a very good chance of reaching the final, and they are still within touching distance of the top five in the Premier League, despite losing three of their last four matches.
Indeed, Rosenior still believes there is an opportunity to have a successful season, even though recent form hasn't been great, saying after the victory against Port Vale: "I was very happy with the application and the intensity of the team. Obviously we have outstanding players but the way we chased, the way we tackled, how it gave us the basis to go on and win the game.
"We can still have an outstanding season in terms of winning the FA Cup and qualifying for the Champions League."
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior applauds fans after the match
However, if BlueCo want to take that all-important next step and start competing for the Premier League and Champions League, it may be necessary to strengthen in the summer, and they are now set to go all out to sign a Barcelona star.
Chelsea very keen on signing "unbelievable" Barcelona player
According to a report from Caught Offside, Chelsea are now planning an aggressive move for Barca defender Jules Kounde, with the La Liga giants keen to offload the Frenchman for around £65m - £70m.
Liverpool and Manchester City have also been named as potential suitors for the Barcelona star, but the Blues are showing the 'strongest interest', as there is now a willingness to bring in players with more experience this summer, rather than focusing on recruiting youngsters.
Kounde, who rakes in £262k-a-week, isn't agitating for a move, but the La Liga side may need to cash-in, given their financial issues, and the centre-back could be an exciting addition to Rosenior's squad.
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The Gunners are apparently keen.
Described as "one of the best defenders in the world" by Xavi, current Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has also been full of praise for the centre-back, who is also capable of playing at right-back, saying: "Koundé is unbelievable. Every three days, he performs at the highest level. We don’t even think about taking him off. He’s 100% fit and keeps delivering in every match."
Flick may be reluctant to lose the 46-cap France international in the summer, given that he has been an integral player this season, making 41 appearances in all competitions, and an average of 1.2 interceptions per 90 in La Liga is the second-highest number in the Barca squad.
That said, Kounde is experienced in the Champions League, scoring two goals in eight matches in the competition this season, so Chelsea may need to secure a top-five finish if they are going to tempt him into a move to Stamford Bridge.