Chelsea make Jules Kounde their top transfer target
Chelsea are reportedly targeting Barcelona defender Jules Kounde during the January winter transfer window, with the Frenchman identified as the club’s top target. Reports say Chelsea have informed Kounde and Barcelona of their interest as head coach Xabi Alonso looks to strengthen his defensive options.
Chelsea are reportedly targeting Barcelona defender Jules Kounde during the January winter transfer window, with the club making the Frenchman their top target. Reports say Chelsea have informed Kounde and Barcelona of their interest, as head coach Xabi Alonso looks to strengthen his defensive options.
Kounde, 27, can play at right-back and centre-back. According to the report, he has featured less regularly in Barcelona’s starting line-up this season amid competition from Eric Garcia and Joao Cancelo, while Chelsea believe his experience and ability to fill both positions would strengthen their options. The report said Alonso is ready to contact the player’s representatives personally to persuade him to move to London.
Chelsea previously showed interest in Kounde while he was at Sevilla and came close to signing him in 2022 before Barcelona secured his services. According to the report, Barcelona’s willingness to negotiate depends on the player’s desire to leave; the Catalan club has also been informed of Chelsea’s interest, while the decision remains largely in Kounde’s hands. The defender is under contract with Barcelona until 2030, giving the club a strong negotiating position and potentially making a January deal difficult.