Chelsea look set to miss out on the singing of Sevilla ace Jules Kounde after the Frenchman agreed personal terms with Barcelona over a move to the Camp Nou.
The 23-year-old was desperate to join the Blues last summer but Chelsea refused to activate a £67m release clause in his contract, which was Sevilla’s asking price.
Chelsea have maintained their interest in the last 12 months and they’d been expected to reignite a move for Kounde this summer, particularly after the departures of Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger.
But Gerard Romero – who broke news of Christensen’s move to Barcelona – says the Catalans have now won the race for Kounde too.
ALSO READ: Chelsea want to complete Kounde transfer from Sevilla
It’s claimed Kounde has agreed a salary and contract with Barcelona and all that remains is for the Spaniards to agree a fee with Sevilla.
Barcelona’s financial problems means they can’t activate Kounde’s release clause but they’ll attempt to include a player to bring down the price.
Memphis Depay could be offered to Sevilla, with the club in need of an attacker after Anthony Martial’s departure.
Chelsea are closing in on a move for Napoli star Kalidou Koulibaly, with the Blues prepared to pay up to £40m for the Senegal ace.
Thomas Tuchel wants at least one centre-back this summer and it remains to be seen if they will attempt to rival Barcelona for Kounde’s signature.
ALSO READ: Chelsea want to complete Kounde transfer from Sevilla
The Blues will reluctantly allow Cesar Azpilicueta to leave Stamford Bridge, though they want to recoup the £7m they paid for him a decade ago.
The Spaniard has agreed a two-year deal to join Barcelona.
