Chelsea have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Sevilla defender Jules Kounde, with the French international reportedly wanting to join FC Barcelona.
Kounde was thought to be close to joining Chelsea last summer, with head coach Thomas Tuchel previously admitting that they were close to signing the defender.
"It was clear we tried for Kounde and Saul and it was very, very late but it was a very, very smooth transfer window because I had full concentration on training and on my team," Tuchel said previously.
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The most recent reports have stated that talks are continuing between Chelsea and Sevilla to guarantee the signing this summer.
However, the defender suffered an injury against Croatia for France in the Nations League, which will require surgery before he can undergo a medical.
French boss Didier Deschamps revealed: “I know very well his athletic condition today. Tomorrow, he will have (surgical) intervention because he has a problem that dates from several months ago.”
Chelsea were thought to be aware of this ongoing issue and it should not affect the deal, however they have now been dealt a blow.
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Reports in Spain state that Kounde’s priority is to remain in La Liga as he wishes to join Barcelona, with Spanish journalist Roger Torello stating this to be the case.
The report continues to state that this is his priority and Kounde has ‘already communicated this’ to Sevilla.
Barcelona were mentioned, alongside Chelsea, as a potential destination for Kounde as Sevilla CEO Jose Maria Cruz said: “Again, the player, I am sure, respects Sevilla FC. He is happy with us. In the case of Kounde, it is not a matter of money. It’s a matter of him wanting to play in a more competitive team than Sevilla FC.
“I am sure he is a player that is attractive for teams like Chelsea, FC Barcelona, Bayern Munich and these types of teams. He wants to play in a more competitive team.”
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Sevilla are keen for a deal to be done quickly so that they can rebuild their defence following Diego Carlos’ transfer to Aston Villa earlier in the window.
It remains to be seen as to whether Barcelona will provide serious competition to Chelsea due to their poor financial situation, with Andreas Christensen departing Stamford Bridge to join the Catalan club already this summer, in a deal which is yet to be announced despite much speculation.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Jules Kounde, Sevilla, Barcelona, Football