While some recent reports indicate Chelsea could be on the verge of signing Jules Kounde, a new one from Jacob Steinberg of The Guardian indicates that Barcelona could still get in the way of a deal.
Steinberg is reporting that Barcelona are still willing to fight for the Sevilla defender and has urged him to wait for them to reach an agreement with his club so they can make an offer on personal terms, something Chelsea have already secured according to Steinberg.
Barcelona still trying to beat Chelsea to Jules Koundé https://t.co/38HnqHla0l
— Jacob Steinberg (@JacobSteinberg) July 21, 2022
Barcelona Urge Jules Kounde to Wait for Them
Chelsea Leading
The Blues are currently winning the race for the French defender with personal terms already agreed and a fee in the region of £55 million on the table. With another main target Presnel Kimpembe reportedly opting to remain with Paris Saint-Germain, this is a deal that the club need to get done, even if they have lined up alternate options.
Read More: Chelsea Line Up Exciting Prospect as Alternative Defensive Choice
The Catalan giants may have a tough time outmuscling their counterparts but stranger things have happened in this window.
Jules Koundé deal. Chelsea are now feeling confident as £55m bid was in line with Sevilla expectations, but still waiting for final green light. Thursday, key day. 🔵 #CFC
Deal until 2027 offered to Koundé.
No Barcelona bid, as of now – club still in contact with Koundé. pic.twitter.com/kHYOxTu5rS
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 21, 2022
Can Barcelona Afford Kounde?
One major question coming from this report is can the club even afford Kounde after their big-money move for Robert Lewandowski? With Frenkie de Jong seemingly staying put (at the moment), there is a question of where they would get the funds to not only meet Sevilla’s valuation but also to offer a better deal than Thomas Tuchel’s side.
Read More: Barcelona Complete Blockbuster Signing of Bayern Munich Goal Machine
This report from the Guardian mentions that Barcelona “could fund a bid if they sell a stake in their merchandising arm,” which is reaching a very desperate point for a team that is also aiming to purchase Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso in this transfer window.
Never say never when the five-time Champions League winners are involved but this one appears to be Chelsea’s race to lose.
