Chelsea are continuing to explore defensive reinforcements this summer, and Barcelona's Jules Koundé could be another option.
Talks are already underway over a move for Crystal Palace centre-back and his France compatriot Maxence Lacroix, with some reports in his homeland suggesting a £45m deal is already advanced (L'Equipe).
Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix and Jefferson Lerma in action with Leeds United's Ethan Ampadu and Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Lacroix has emerged as one of several defenders who could move to Stamford Bridge as Xabi Alonso looks to add pace and recovery to their back line.
The club have already announced the signing of Marco Palestra from Atalanta in a deal worth around £47m, while it is widely reported that Rayo Vallecano full-back Pep Chavarria could follow him after agreeing personal terms (Fabrizio Romano).
Alonso is believed to be personally pushing for that deal as the Spaniard spearheads Chelsea's charge for new recruits this summer.
Granit-Xhaka Related
How much Chelsea are now going to offer for Granit Xhaka after 'insulting' first bid
The Blues are apparently set to make another approach.
Now, as per reports from England, Kounde has been floated as a potential Lacroix alternative, and his versatility could greatly appeal to Alonso.
Football FanCast's Verdict
Credibility
Finances
Insight
Impact
The Frenchman, who is currently at the World Cup with Didier Deschamps' tournament favourites, is very effective at both right-back and at the heart of Barça's defence.
Barcelona offer Chelsea chance to sign Jules Koundé in cut-price deal
According to Mark Brus of CaughtOffside, the La Liga champions have made contact to gauge Chelsea’s interest in Kounde, with the Spanish club now open to selling the France international for around £55 million.
FC Barcelona's Jules Kounde celebrates scoring their third goal with teammates
FC Barcelona's Jules Kounde celebrates scoring their third goal with teammates
That figure is notably lower than earlier valuations, which had previously been set closer to £65–70 million.
Kounde has been admired by Chelsea for several years, with the club tracking him since his Sevilla days before he ultimately joined the Catalans instead.
He remains on their radar as they continue to reshape their defensive options ahead of the new season.
Jules Koundé vs Maxence Lacroix — who should Chelsea prioritise?
While Lacroix is seen as a strong potential signing, Kounde offers something more established at the highest level.
FC Barcelona's Raphinha celebrates scoring their fifth goal with Jules Kounde
At 27, Kounde is a proven international with France and a regular starter for Barça. He has built a reputation for his reading of the game, clean tackling and ability to defend both in central areas and at right-back.
That versatility is a major factor in Chelsea’s continued interest, with squad depth and rotation key as Alonso looks to make them a force again, with Man City also keen on signing Malo Gusto.
If Chelsea had to choose between Lacroix’s upside and Kounde’s proven quality, Kounde looks like the safer and more complete option.
He would bring composure and proven top-level experience to a defence that has often lacked stability.
His ability to switch between defensive roles would also give Chelsea far more tactical flexibility, making him a strong fit for a squad still searching for consistency at the back.