Chelsea interested in Barcelona star
Chelsea interested in Barcelona star - Source: Getty
Chelsea will reportedly have to pay over €50 million for Barcelona defender Jules Kounde. They are looking to sign the Frenchman in the January transfer window.
The Blues were heavily linked with Kounde when he was at Sevilla in 2022. However, he ended up joining the Blaugrana instead. The Premier League side, however, have reignited their interest, as per journalist Matteo Moretto (via Radio Marca).
Chelsea have scored 10 goals in five Premier League games, but also conceded 12. Hence, they are looking to strengthen their defense in January. They have identified Kounde as a target, but Barcelona will demand over €50 million for him. His contract at Spotify Camp Nou expires in 2030.
Kounde has made 193 appearances for the Blaugrana, largely as a right-back, and has also contributed 10 goals and 22 assists. However, he has started just one game in LaLiga this season, making five appearances across competitions. The likes of Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi and Andreas Christensen are ahead of him in the pecking order.
Moretto has revealed that Chelsea could potentially make a move for Kounde in January. Meanwhile, Barcelona could look to sell him to fund a transfer for a top striker next summer.
Chelsea interested in signing two Barcelona midfielders: Reports
The west London side are reportedly monitoring Frenkie de Jong and Dani Olmo for potential summer transfers. According to Sport, they are looking to sign De Jong next summer.
The Dutch midfielder has been out of action since the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He suffered a serious knee injury while playing for the Netherlands, who were eliminated in the Round of 32 by Morocco. He returned to team training and could feature for Barcelona this week.
However, the Spanish giants have Rodri, Gavi, Pedri, Fermin Lopez, and Marc Bernal in their ranks. They could, hence, let De Jong leave next summer for a good fee. He has recorded 297 appearances for them, and his contract expires in 2029.
Meanwhile, according to beIN Sports, Chelsea are also monitoring Dani Olmo for a potential transfer. However, they will have to compete with the likes of Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Arsenal for the Spanish midfielder. The Bavarian giants are reportedly leading the race.
Olmo joined Barcelona from RB Leipzig in 2024. He has scored 20 goals and provided 20 assists in 96 games for them. The Spanish giants will demand around €80-90 million for him, with his contract expiring in 2030.