The Catalans are on the verge of adding a new defender to their ranks ahead of the next season.
Barcelona have reportedly reached full agreement with Sevilla over the transfer of Jules Kounde.
Kounde had been on Chelsea’s radar for the past two years, with the Blues intensifying their efforts to sign him this summer.
However, it seems Barcelona have hijacked the move with a late attempt to sign the Frenchman.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Sevilla and Barcelona have reached a verbal agreement for Kounde’s move. The Sky Sports journalist claims the defender has already agreed to personal terms with the club.
Barcelona have reportedly decided to meet Sevilla’s asking price of €50m for Kounde. The contract also includes €10m in add-ons.
Chelsea‘s failure in signing Kounde comes after another one of their top transfer targets, Raphinha, joined Barcelona earlier this summer.
The Blues have lined up a host of alternatives for Kounde. According to 90min, Villarreal’s Pau Torres, Inter’s Milan Skriniar, and PSG’s Presnel Kimpembe are all on Chelsea’s radar this summer.
Chelsea, however, might have to look for more defensive recruitment as they could lose two more defenders to Barcelona.
The Catalan side are pushing to sign both Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso after completing a move for Andreas Christensen. However, the Catalans are reportedly focusing on selling Frenkie de Jong before making a new signing this summer.
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