Jules Kounde has been the main target for Chelsea since the summer of 2020-21.
Jules Kounde has agreed to a five-year deal with Chelsea. The French international is going to receive “an astronomical salary” for his time in Stamford Bridge.
Barcelona on the chase too
A “confidential” report from Sport has also claimed that the Catalan club has also joined the race for Kounde. Also, a transfer is attainable for Barcelona if Sevilla demand €60m.
Barcelona has also offered players alongside the transfer amount to reduce Kounde’s price. But, Sevilla has refused this offer.
Barcelona can sign Jules Kounde if they somehow manage to alleviate their catastrophical financial situation. Xavi’s main challenge here would be to convince the Frenchman to join Barcelona at reduced wages. The salary offered by Chelsea is reported to be “two or three times” more than what Barcelona can offer.
Defense is a priority for Chelsea
The defense has been a priority for the blues. Chelsea has been trying to sign Kounde since the last two transfer windows. Thomas Tuchel’s squad is in desperate need of a center-back now. With the departure of Rudiger and Christensen, the defense remains a priority.
Negotiations were through for Kounde to join Chelsea last August. But the transfer fell through due to Sevilla suddenly raising their asking price at the last minute.
Wages are the decisive factor.
The Catalan Club also likes Jules Kounde. But they cannot possibly hope to match Chelsea’s wage offer. If that happens, Kounde will become the highest-paid player at Camp Nou and it could lead to discord within the squad.
Meanwhile, Sevilla are content to just watch the situation unfold. Sevilla has set the asking price for Chelsea at €60m. They have set their demands and are waiting for a suitable proposal for the transfer to happen.
