Chelsea pursue €70m deal after SHOCK Maresca revelation

Cameron Smith

31 Mar 2025 09:00 BST
4 min read

Chelsea are preparing a €70 million offer for Barcelona defender Jules Kounde ahead of the summer transfer window, according to reports in Spain.

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The France international was heavily linked with a move to the west London giants before joining Barcelona back in 2022 and he has remained a key target for the club ever since.

Current ETV

Jules Koundé

D (CR)

Barcelona

Jules Koundé

D (CR)

Barcelona

ETV Range

€51.9M - €63.4M

Kounde has established himself as one of the world’s best right-backs during his time at Camp Nou, despite arriving as a natural centre-back, and Chelsea are now eyeing a big-money move during the 2025 summer transfer window.

That is according to Spanish outlet Fichajes, who claim that Enzo Maresca’s side are set to lodge a €70m bid for Kounde as they look to finalise an agreement to sign the Barcelona star.

The 26-year-old is reportedly seen as a “priority” target by the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge, and Chelsea are set to intensify their pursuit over the next few weeks in an attempt to further strengthen the first-team squad at Maresca’s disposal.

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© IMAGO - Jules Kounde (right) with Lamine Yamal (left), Barcelona

Jules Kounde to replace Reece James at Chelsea?

Chelsea’s interest in Kounde follows Maresca’s shock recent admission that he believes Reece James’ best position is in central midfield.

When fully fit, the England star has been one of the world’s best right-backs since his breakthrough under Frank Lampard, but Maresca views the 25-year-old as an option in the middle of the park.

“The day after I signed for Chelsea, I sent him [James] a video and I told him since day one I have seen him as a midfielder,” Maresca told reporters in early March. “Before I even met him, I sent him a clip showing he could play in midfield.

"When you watch a player, you have to use a little bit of imagination. I always imagined him as a midfielder. I watched his games when he was on loan at Wigan, and I saw he scored a fantastic goal from 25 yards as a midfielder. The best thing from Reece is he is helping the team and improving as a leader.”

With James seemingly seen as a central midfielder by Maresca, Chelsea may pursue a new right-back this summer, although Malo Gusto and Josh Acheampong are both available for selection, while Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah and Moises Caicedo have all been used on the right side of defence so far this campaign.