Chelsea are now lining up a move for the Barcelona star, with the La Liga heavyweights set to make a £70m splash this summer.
The Blues are eyeing summer additions after the win over Port Vale
The Blues booked their place in the next round of the FA Cup with a 7-0 thrashing of League One side Port Vale on Saturday, while Liam Rosenior’s side face Leeds United in the semi-finals at Wembley later this month.
As such, the west Londoners should have a good chance of reaching the final, and are within touching distance of the top five in the Premier League, despite losing three of their last four games.
Indeed, Rosenior still believes there is scope for a successful season, despite recent form not being great, saying after the win against Port Vale: “I am very happy with the request and the intensity of the team. Obviously we have outstanding players but the way we chased, the way we fought, gave us the basis to continue to win the game.
“We still have a good season in terms of winning the FA Cup and qualifying for the Champions League.”
However, if BlueCo want to take that next big step and start competing with the Premier League and Champions League, they may need to strengthen in the summer, and now they are ready to go all out to sign the Barcelona star.
Chelsea are very keen to sign Barcelona’s “unbelievable” player
According to a report from Caught Offside, Chelsea are now plotting a brutal move for Barca defender Jules Kounde, with the La Liga giants looking to offload the Frenchman for an estimated £65m – £70m.
Liverpool and Manchester City have also been tipped as potential suitors for the Barcelona star, but the Blues are showing a ‘stronger interest’, as there is now a willingness to bring in more experienced players this summer, rather than focusing on recruiting new recruits.
Kounde, who earns £262k-a-week, is not keen on the move, but the La Liga side may have to shell out money, given their financial problems, and the defender could be an exciting addition to Rosenior’s squad.
Arsenal and Chelsea have held talks with the rising Brazilian star through reps with two offers made
The Gunners are clearly serious.
Described as “one of the best defenders in the world” by Xavi, current Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is also full of praise for the defender who can play right back, saying: “Koundé is unbelievable. Every three days, he plays at a very high level. We don’t even think about taking him out. He is 100% ready and continues to deliver every game.”
Flick may be reluctant to lose the 46-capped France international in the summer, as he has been a key player this season, making 41 appearances in all competitions, with an average of 1.2 in 90 La Liga tackles the second highest in Barca’s squad.
That said, Kounde has experience in the Champions League, scoring two goals in eight appearances in the competition this season, so Chelsea may need a top-five finish if they are to tempt him to move to Stamford Bridge.
