Barcelona Eyeing €45 Million Deal For Chelsea Target Jules Kounde

Barcelona are keen to sign Chelsea target Jules Kounde from Sevilla in a deal worth around €45 million this summer, according to reports.

Kounde was the subject of heavy speculation last summer, with a move to the Blues appearing to be inevitable throughout the transfer window.

However, despite the player agreeing personal terms with the west London side last summer, he stayed at Sevilla for the season.

Chelsea are now set to reignite their interest in the 23-year-old this summer, with the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen leaving them short in the centre-back positions.

However while he may be a long-term target for the Blues, Barcelona are also keen on signing the Frenchman this summer.

Jules Kounde has been linked with both Barcelona and Chelsea. (Alamy)

According to ESPN, the La Liga giants are hoping to sign him in a deal worth around €45 million, but his current suitors want a fee of €60 million.

Other reports have revealed that despite recently being in Seville, Chelsea have been unable to reach an agreement in their negotiations for the defender.

Sevilla want a €60 million fee and €10 million in add-ons in order to complete a deal, something that the Blues are not willing to pay for their potential new signing.

Matthijs de Ligt is another target for the club this summer as they look to bolster their options in defence, with the Dutchman looking to leave Juventus in the coming weeks.

It is believed Thomas Tuchel’s side are preparing a €70 million bid for the 22-year-old, with bonuses also included in the deal.

Jules Kounde could depart Sevilla this summer. (Alamy)

Chelsea are already in a transfer tussle with Barcelona for another one of their other targets this summer, with the Blues keen to sign Raphinha from fellow Premier League side Leeds United.

Although a fee of around £55 million has been agreed with the Whites, the winger would prefer to move to Camp Nou for the new campaign.

The Blues are beginning to lose patience and do not want to wait any longer for a decision to be made, especially when they have their sights set on other targets throughout the window.

Leeds will accept the biggest offer for their star man, something that Chelsea are thought to currently have, but Barcelona have told them that they will improve their proposal for the Brazilian.

Therefore it is now looking unlikely that Raphinha will make a switch to Stamford Bridge, although Raheem Sterling is thought to be close to sealing a move to west London.