Chelsea send scouts to watch Barcelona star versus top target Osimhen

James Shearman

• Updated: 22 Feb 2024 22:13 GMT
• 3 min read

Chelsea reportedly sent scouts to watch Jules Kounde and Victor Osimhen on Wednesday night.

The two faced off as Napoli hosted Barcelona in the Champions League round-of-16 first leg match.

Osimhen has long been The Blues' top centre-forward target, while Kounde was linked with a move to Stamford Bridge prior to joining Barcelona.

And, it would appear that Chelsea have reignited their interest in the Frenchman, who could be made available in the summer.

According to HITC Football's Graeme Bailey, the West London club were keen to see the defender up against Osimhen last night.

The Nigerian did manage to get on the scoresheet, although there was nothing that Kounde could have done to prevent the goal.

Should Chelsea sign Jules Kounde?

Chelsea's interest in Kounde should depend on what system they are intending to play next season.

Under Mauricio Pochettino, the Blues have stuck with a 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 formation, which would not suit the Barcelona man too well.

At less than six feet tall, he is a relatively undersized centre-back, which the physicality of the Premier League could exploit.

However, if Pochettino, or his potential replacement, were to opt for five defenders, he would become a more sensible signing.

Having played as a right-back of late, while wanting to be a centre-back, occupying the right side of a back three is an obvious solution.

Chelsea legend Cesar Azpilicueta, who was better known as a full-back, played that role to great effect in the 2016-17 title-winning campaign.

Plus, it would not be a case of building the team around Kounde, as many of the Blues squad, such as wing-backs Ben Chilwell and Malo Gusto, would suit the system perfectly.