The French defender Jules Kounde has been one of the players who has seen his importance decrease at FC Barcelona at the start of this new season. The fullback remained an important player for the Blaugrana team ever since signing for them in 2022, but this season, he has been relegated to the bench.
In fact, he has not played a single minute in the last three games for the Catalan side, while [he was also an unused substitute for France during their last two games](https://barcanewsnetwork.com/barcelona-star-jules-kounde-faces-fresh-problem-under-zinedine-zidane/).
Thus, it is clear that the Frenchman is not going through his best run of form. However, his quality still remains beyond any doubt, and as a result, some top clubs across Europe are keeping a close eye on his situation.
Previously, he was being linked with the German giants Bayern Munich, but now, [Mundo Deportivo](https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20261003/1004234009/chelsea-fija-kounde.html) cites TeamTalk to reveal that the Premier League side Chelsea is also interested in him. The Blues were also interested in him when Barcelona signed him from Sevilla, and despite the significant passage of time, they still hold him in high regard.
The report goes on to claim that the London club, which is being managed by the former Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso, could even end up signing the French defender in the upcoming winter transfer window.
For now, Jules Kounde remains focused on his national team duties. Although he has not played in the last two games, he was chosen as a captain of the team by the new coach, Zinedine Zidane, and remains an important part of the French team.
Around a week from now, he will return to Barcelona, and it remains to be seen whether Hansi Flick will give him more prominence as the Catalan side braces for a difficult stretch of the season. This stretch can end up determining whether he will remain at the Blaugrana side or leave the club in January.