Chelsea are currently planning an aggressive move for the Barcelona star, with the La Liga stalwart set to make a £70m cash move this summer.
Blues aim for summer reinforcements after big win at Port Vale
The Blues qualified for the next round of the FA Cup thanks to Saturday’s 7-0 win over League One side Port Vale, and Liam Rosenior’s side will face Leeds United in the semi-final at Wembley later this month.
The West Londoners should therefore have a very good chance of reaching the final and, despite losing three of their last four games, remain within reach of the Premier League’s top five.
Indeed, Rosenior still believes he has a chance to have a successful season despite his recent lack of form, saying after the win against Port Vale: “I was very happy with the team’s play and intensity. Of course we have outstanding players, but the way we chased, the way we tackled, how that gave us the foundation to continue to win games.
“We can still have a great season in terms of winning the FA Cup and qualifying for the Champions League.”
However, if BlueCo want to take the all-important next step and qualify for the Premier League and Champions League, they may need to strengthen in the summer, and they are now intent on signing the Barcelona star.
Chelsea keen to sign ‘unbelievable’ Barcelona player
According to a report in Caught Offside, Chelsea are currently planning an active move for Barça defender Jules Kounde, with the La Liga giants keen to offload the Frenchman for around £65m to £70m.
Liverpool and Manchester City have also been named as candidates for Barcelona’s star, but the Blues have expressed the ‘strongest interest’ as they are keen to sign more experienced players this summer rather than focusing on youngsters.
Kounde, who earns £262,000-a-week, is not keen on a move, but the La Liga side may need to raise money given financial issues and the centre-back could be an exciting addition to Rosenior’s squad.
Arsenal and Chelsea negotiate with Brazilian rising star through his agent, making two offers
The Gunners are apparently keen.
Current Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, who Xavi described as “one of the best defenders in the world”, was also full of praise for the centre-back, who can also play as a right-back. “Kounde is an unbelievable player. He performs at the highest level every three days. We have no intention of leaving him out. He is 100% fit and continues to perform in every match.”
Flick has been an essential player this season, appearing in 41 games in all competitions, and given that his average of 1.2 interceptions in 90 games in La Liga is the second-highest in Barça’s squad, there may be some reluctance to lose the 46-cap France international this summer.
However, Kounde has Champions League experience and has scored two goals in eight games in all competitions this season, so Chelsea may need to secure a top-five finish to lure him to Stamford Bridge.
