Chelsea close in on agreement with Sevilla for Kounde, Barcelona ask player to refuse offers

With the situation of Jules Kounde’s transfer ever-evolving, there is a fresh development on the matter as Chelsea and Barcelona fight it out for his signing.

According to Foot Mercato, Chelsea and Sevilla are closing in on an agreement over a transfer for the French defender. However, Kounde continues to prefer a move to Barcelona, who have asked him to refuse all other offers.

Kounde has become one of the best defenders in La Liga since his arrival from Bordeaux in the summer of 2019 in a deal worth €25 million. The 23-year-old has emerged as the top target for Xavi’s Barça to strengthen their defence this season.

Reports have claimed that Kounde is also keen on a switch to Camp Nou and has already agreed a four-year contract with the Catalans over a transfer.

However, according to the aforementioned report, Barça are yet to submit a written offer to Sevilla for the signing of Kounde as they had been busy finalising the deal for Robert Lewandowski.

In the meantime, Chelsea have reactivated their interest in Kounde after having moved on to other targets briefly. The Blues have already made an offer worth €55 million which has been shot down by Sevilla.

But the report claims that the two clubs are now inching closer to an agreement as Chelsea look to get the deal over the line. Despite that, the Blues are aware that Kounde desires a move to Barcelona, which could become an issue in their pursuit of the French international.

Furthermore, it is also stated that Barça have requested Kounde to reject all offers that come his way and wait for them to make an approach. Sevilla are reportedly getting frustrated by the wait and will push the defender towards Chelsea if an offer from the Blaugrana does not arrive soon.

As mentioned earlier, Kounde desires a move to Barcelona. However, he would be willing to consider a transfer to Chelsea as it is his Plan B. So, the ball is now in the Blaugrana’s court and it is now up to them to make an opening offer and convince Sevilla to do business with them.