Just in: Chelsea submit €55 million offer for Kounde, Barcelona expected to make a move

In a fresh development regarding the future of Jules Kounde, Spanish journalist Samuel Silva has claimed that Chelsea have lodged an offer of €55 million, plus add-ons, for the French defender.

In response to the bid made by the Blues, Barcelona are also now expected to make a move to try and sign Kounde.

The 23-year-old has sparked yet another tug of war between Barcelona and Chelsea, who duelled for the signing of Raphinha earlier this summer. While the Blaugrana may have prevailed in that particular battle, lightning might not strike twice.

Kounde has been on Chelsea’s radar since last summer and the Blues had failed with an approach for him. But the interest has continued into this window.

For a while, they had turned their attention towards other targets, but they have retrained their sights on the French ace after missing out on Nathan Ake. Recent reports indicated that the Blues were leading Barça in the race for the defender.

And now Thomas Tuchel’s side have taken their first step to sign the 23-year-old by lodging an opening bid. As per the report, Chelsea have offered €55 million, plus add-ons, which is still less than what Sevilla want for their prized asset.

Both parties continue to negotiate over a transfer, and with Chelsea making their move, Barcelona are also now expected to follow up with an offer of their own.

Journalist Nathan Gissing has corroborated the news, claiming that Chelsea have made an offer in excess of €50 million for Kounde, while also confirming that Barcelona remain interested in the 23-year-old.

It has been claimed that Barça have already agreed personal terms with Kounde. If that is indeed the case, the Catalans might be able to pull off the signing, much like they did with Raphinha.

It remains to be seen how this story develops in the coming days as Kounde’s time at Sevilla nears an end.