Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez has commented on the potential signing of Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde amid the transfer race with Chelsea.
According to Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have already sent their proposal, as well as all the documentation, to Sevilla over a potential £55million deal for the 23-year-old defender on Thursday.
The Blues are reportedly confident that they have made a good offer but have been made to wait for approvals from both Sevilla and the player.
However, Romano added that Barcelona have been preparing an official proposal for Kounde, who is speaking with both clubs in the last couple of weeks.
The transfer saga continues, and it seems that no one but the player himself is able to confirm the outcome.
Xavi refused to make any concrete statement regarding their pursuit of Kounde but is clearly open to the defender’s potential arrival.
“I can’t say anything,” said the Barcelona boss after Sunday’s 1-0 pre-season win over Real Madrid (via Diario AS).
“There is a lot of competition in the team and if someone comes, they will come to add to it.
“We are a family, and we are building a great team.”
Similarly, Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel said he had “no update” when asked about Kounde’s transfer situation (via Hayters TV).
Both Chelsea and Barcelona certainly need a player of Kounde’s profile; a right-sided ball-playing centre-back, and there are few alternatives available in the transfer market.
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