Barcelona to submit first official offer for Jules Kounde next week – report

Barcelona are really ramping up their transfer plans ahead of their pre-season trip to the United States of America.

Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen have already arrived at Camp Nou while the Blaugrana have confirmed the signing of Raphinha from Leeds United.

Now, they are set to press ahead with their pursuit of Sevilla ace Jules Kounde. Indeed, according to COPE’s Jose Manuel Oliva, Barcelona will present their first official bid to sign the Frenchman next week as they look to close the deal for the defender.

Kounde has been at the top of the shopping list for Xavi Hernandez this summer along with Robert Lewandowski. However, the 23-year-old’s pursuit had been made difficult by Los Nervionenses’ €60 million valuation of the former Bordeaux ace.

On top of that, the Blaugrana had to deal with the interest from Chelsea as well. However, the Blues seem to have moved on to other targets, as they are closing in on the captures of Kalidou Koulibaly and Nathan Ake, which should clear the path for Barcelona.

And with Kounde growing frustrated over the lack of movement with regard to his future and Sevilla’s need to generate funds to bring in new players, things could be set into motion in the coming days.

Recent reports indicated that Barcelona were hopeful of securing the services of Kounde in a deal worth €35-40 million by offering Memphis Depay as a makeweight to Sevilla.

Following on that, earlier today, it was suggested that the 23-year-old French international already has reached total agreement with the Catalans over personal terms.

So, an agreement over a transfer fee between Barça and Sevilla stands in the way of a deal. And the Catalans are planning to address that by sending in an official offer to Julen Lopetegui’s for Kounde next week.