Chelsea prepared to go all out to sign ‘unbelievable’ defender, he just really annoyed his current manager

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Chelsea are going to be busy when the transfer window opens again as they prepare to address a number of positions at the end of the season.

One area that it is clear they will need to strengthen is the defence. Enzo Maresca’s side have become pretty soft of late at the back.

The Blues did look to bolster their options in January by recalling Trevoh Chalobah from his loan at Crystal Palace.

However, Chalobah acknowledges he has no future at Chelsea in the long run, and that they will be looking for proper reinforcements come the summer.

Experience looks to be the number one factor the Blues must prioritise in signing a new defender, as well as versatility to play in a number of roles.

• READ MORE: Chelsea really should have listened to Renato Veiga’s last request before Juventus move as current defender really struggles

Chelsea prepared to go all out to sign Jukes Kounde

Both of these can be seen in Barcelona star Jules Kounde, a player Chelsea have held a long-term admiration for.

Todd Boehly was desperate to sign Kounde during his first transfer window in charge in West London, however he instead chose to join Barcelona.

Chelsea instead moved to sign Wesley Fofana, however the Frenchman’s injury woes have seen him not able to live up to his extortionate price tag.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has been quoted as a huge fan of Kounde in the past. The boss described his player’s attitude as ‘unbelievable’ to BeinSports.

Chelsea are linked again with a move for Kounde in 2025, and Graeme Bailey believes the Blues hold him in very high regard still.

He exclusively told The Chelsea Chronicle that they would be prepared to go all out for the French defender if the opportunity arose.

He said: “Chelsea love Kounde. Barca have had these issues with him and are confident he will sign a new deal. He’s one of the players Chelsea would push the boat out for, he’s a spectacular player.

“He’s such a brilliant fit, he’d be like the Gallas type player where he can play centrally, can play right. He would be brilliant for Chelsea.”

Kounde’s conduct really frustrating Barcelona

While Kounde has been a regular for Barcelona since making his move there, he is beginning to frustrate his club, and manager Flick in particular.

The defender was left out of the starting side for their most recent La Liga game, with it later emerging this had been as a result of missing a team meeting before the match.

Flick said to ESPN: “Before the match, we have maybe two or three appointments for the players, meetings,” Flick explained in the post-game news conference.

“And this is very important the players are there. It’s not very difficult to do this. It’s not only about me, it’s about [respect] for the players, the club, the fans.

“I don’t want to say more because I want to speak with him. But he was too late. It’s a clear rule, so he cannot start. This is what happened today.”

While Barcelona expect Kounde to sign a new deal, Chelsea will be keeping tabs on his situation, and certainly not be afraid to make an offer for a player they have been huge fans of for years now.