Chelsea are now willing to make a £60m offer for an "unbelievable" Barcelona player, having identified him as their priority target for the summer transfer window, according to a report.
Blues ramping up defender pursuit
The Blues completed the double signing of Dario Essugo and Geovany Quenda earlier this month, bolstering their options even further in midfield and out wide, and they have now turned their attentions to bringing in a new defender.
Sevilla's Loic Bade is of interest, with the west Londoners willing to make a £25m offer for the Frenchman, although they are also willing to sweeten the deal by including either Trevoh Chalobah or Mykhailo Mudryk in a part-exchange bid.
AFC Bournemouth's Dean Huijsen is another name on the shortlist, having now entered talks to sign the 19-year-old centre-back, who has managed to outperform both Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana in an extremely promising debut Premier League season.
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He has an affordable release clause.
However, it was recently revealed that Jules Kounde is above Huijsen on the list of targets for the summer, with the west Londoners expected to make a big bid to bring the Barcelona defender to Stamford Bridge this summer.
There has now been a new update on Chelsea's Kounde pursuit, with a report from Spain revealing they are now willing to put €70m (£60m) on the table to get a deal over the line, having identified the France international as a priority target.
FC Barcelona's Jules Kounde in action
The Blues are determined to get a deal done, with the defender's ability to play at both right-back and centre-back making him an attractive option, while he is also extremely impressive in possession of the ball, which could make him ideal for Enzo Maresca.
BlueCo have identified the Barca star as a key addition to Maresca's squad this summer, but it remains to be seen whether the La Liga side are even willing to negotiate a sale, given his importance to the Spanish side.
Chelsea's upcoming Premier League fixtures Date
Tottenham Hotspur (h) April 3rd
Brentford (a) April 6th
Ipswich Town (h) April 13th
Fulham (a) April 20th
Everton (h) April 26th
"Unbelievable" Kounde could be a top-quality addition
Given that Reece James has gone some way to putting his injury problems behind him, while Malo Gusto is also an option at right-back, the Frenchman may be brought in to play at centre-back, the position in which he has predominantly featured throughout his career.
The 26-year-old has received praise for his ability to play in the centre of defence, but he has particularly stood out as a full-back this season, with manager Hansi Flick lauding the Paris-born star as "incredible", while also hailing his fitness.
It is clear to see why Chelsea are so keen on signing Kounde, with his versatility making him a particularly attractive option, but they will likely have to secure qualification for the Champions League before being able to compete for signings of his calibre.