Chelsea are once again said to be interested in Barcelona and France defender Jules Kounde.
The Blues tried to sign him in 2022 before his move from Sevilla to Barcelona and have been linked with the 27-year-old multiple times since then.
It now looks as though they are ready to make a fresh move to bring Kounde to Stamford Bridge.
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Kim Min-jae and Jules Kounde
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Jules Kounde not desperate to leave Barcelona
It was recently reported that Barcelona would struggle to reject a £70m offer for Kounde this summer, a fee that a club such as Chelsea can easily afford.
However, according to the Daily Briefing, Kounde is not desperate to leave Barcelona amid strong interest from the Blues. It means that even if Chelsea can agree a deal with Barcelona, there is no guarantee that the Frenchman would say yes to a move.
It would be disappointing if Chelsea made yet another swoop for Kounde but failed to sign him once again. He would be a great addition to Liam Rosenior’s squad.
Jules Koundé of FC Barcelona
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At 27 and with 46 France caps to his name, Kounde would bring some much-needed experience to Stamford Bridge.
The France international is also a very versatile defender, capable of playing in central defence and at right-back. It is no surprise that Chelsea have chased him for so long.
Chelsea’s alternatives to Jules Kounde
Kounde is not the only option Chelsea are looking at for their central defence. Several other names are also thought to be on their shortlist.
For example, it has been claimed that Chelsea are keeping an eye on Maxence Lacroix. Chelsea have also been linked with Luka Vuskovic, though it is unlikely that Tottenham Hotspur will want to sell to their London rivals.
However, if Roberto De Zerbi’s side get relegated this season, they may have no choice but to sanction a sale.
The two names above are just a couple of other options that Chelsea could consider if they cannot convince Kounde to join them.
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