Chelsea target Kounde also in talks with Real Madrid and Barcelona

Cameron Smith

• 27 Feb 2022 10:35 GMT
• 4 min read

Chelsea identified Sevilla defender Jules Kounde as the perfect addition to their squad last summer, and a deal between all parties had seemingly been agreed until the Spanish club upped their asking price at the last minute.

That sudden change halted proceedings, and Chelsea were unable to add the French international to their Champions League winning squad.

The failure to secure a deal for Kounde gave Trevoh Chalobah, a Chelsea academy graduate, a chance in the first-team, and the Englishman stepped up to the Premier League with impressive ease.

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However, with the contracts of Cesar Azpilicueta, Andreas Christensen, and Antonio Rudiger all expiring this summer, Chelsea are once again set to move for Kounde.

The centre-back, who can also play at right-back, has remained on the Blues' radar all season, and talks with his representatives have started up again.

With Thomas Tuchel a great admirer of the Frenchman, Chelsea are willing to back their manager, and add Kounde to the squad this summer.

But, unlike in 2021, they are set to face stiff competition for the player, with La Liga's biggest clubs also taking an interest in the defender.

Kounde has stepped up his level this season, and his form has caught the attention of both Real Madrid and Barcelona. Both Spanish giants are reportedly interested in Kounde, and are willing to challenge Chelsea for his signature.

According to Sky Germany, Kounde's representatives are currently in talks with Chelsea, but also with both Spanish clubs as well.

Centre-back merry-go-round

While Kounde appears certain to leave Sevilla this summer, most likely for a large fee given his talent and the fact his contract doesn't expire until 2024, his destination may rely on external factors.

In fact, the situation of Chelsea's current centre-backs could determine where he plays his football. Barcelona have been heavily linked with both Azpilicueta and Christensen recently, while Real Madrid have been interested in Rudiger all season.

So, if those deals happen, then it clears the way for Kounde to join Chelsea. Of course, if Rudiger signs an extension, which is a possibility, then Real Madrid will have a clear run at signing Kounde, while Barcelona do seem an outside shout.

However, their resurgence under Xavi could turn Kounde's head.

Chelsea have been scouting Kounde for a while now, but they could miss out on the Frenchman if they don't secure a deal, and keep waiting like they did last summer.