Let the dominos fall: Barcelona receive boost in pursuit of top defensive target

As we move closer to the start of the new season, clubs in Spain have started their preparations, both on and off the pitch.

Sevilla are no exception, and following the exit of Diego Carlos, it appears the Spanish giants are also anticipating the loss of Jules Kounde, amid interest from a host of clubs across Europe including Chelsea and Barcelona.

To that end, Los Nervionenses have started their hunt for defensive reinforcements ahead of the new season. They have already set their sights on former Barcelona starlet Jean-Clair Todibo, who currently plies his trade for OGC Nice.

However, according to Fabrizio Romano, Sevilla are also closing in on the capture of Galatasaray centre-back Marcao.

Sevilla had initiated talks with the Turkish giants earlier in the month and are soon set to finalise a deal. The Spanish outfit are expected to fork out a fee of around €12 million, with €3 million to be paid through additional add-ons.

Zenit St. Petersburg were also involved in the pursuit, but it appears Sevilla have prevailed in the chase and are on the verge of sealing his signature ahead of the new season.

Sevilla’s potential capture of Marcao could bode well for Barcelona as it should pave the way for Los Nervionenses to sanction the sale of Kounde.

The Catalans could find themselves even more beneficial if Sevilla go on to sign Todibo as well, whose 25% sell-on fee could help Barça lower the cost of the operation to sign Kounde.

However, the quest to sign the French international will be far from easy as Chelsea are also involved in the pursuit. With Barcelona struggling financial and not in a position to launch a lucrative offer for the defender, there is a possibility the Premier League giants may prevail in the contest.