Chelsea could have a great opportunity to sign one defender from Barcelona this summer.
Barcelona have made selling Jules Kounde a priority as they look to rebuild their squad, according to Sport.
The centre-back is likely to have suitors, with the same outlet claiming that Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool all have him on their radar.
This is not the first time Chelsea have been interested in Kounde. As per The Athletic, the Blues wanted to sign the 25-year-old in 2022 before his €60m (£51m) move from Sevilla to Barcelona.
Mauricio Pochettino could also strengthen the left side of his defence in the next transfer window, with it being reported that the club are looking at KAA Gent’s Archie Brown.
Jules Kounde on Chelsea’s radar
It is not a shock to hear that Chelsea are interested in Kounde. The club have looked at him before and may need to sign a new central defender ahead of the 2024/25 season.
Thiago Silva is out of contract in the summer, while some of Pochettino’s other centre-backs keep picking up injuries.
Benoit Badiashile, for example, has not been able to remain fit this term, while Wesley Fofana is yet to even kick a ball.
Trevoh Chalobah is available again at least, starting in the 2-2 draw with Brentford yesterday. However, given Silva’s likely departure and Badiashile and Fofana’s injury problems, you could not blame Pochettino for wanting a new centre-half.
It will now be interesting to see if Chelsea’s reported interest in Kounde materialises into anything like an enquiry or actual bid. With Barcelona needing money to improve their squad, it is certainly one to watch in the summer.
Kounde, a France international, has experience and can also play at right-back so could end up being a very good addition at Stamford Bridge if Chelsea can finally convince the former Sevilla man to join them.
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