Chelsea could face a repeat of the Raphinha transfer saga with Jules Kounde after reports suggest Barcelona have agreed a fee to sign the Sevilla defender.
football.london understands that the Blues are extremely confident of securing a deal for Kounde after verbally agreeing a fee in the region of £55million, with personal terms having been agreed months ago with the France international. Thomas Tuchel revealed he wants to add a 'minimum of one more' defensive additions to his squad ahead of next season following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
The latter made the move to Camp Nou following the expiry of his contract at Stamford Bridge, and now Kounde is also on the Spanish giants' radar this summer. The two clubs battled it out for the signature of Raphinha earlier in the window, with Barca winning that battle, as Chelsea now face competition from the Catalan club once again as they look to wrap up a deal for Sevilla's star centre-back.
READ MORE: Jules Kounde joins Sevilla pre-season training 'unannounced' amid £55million Chelsea transfer
According to Spanish journalist Gerard Romero, Barcelona have reached an agreement in principle with Sevilla to sign Kounde. The La Liga outfit were not expecting the Catalan club to come close to Chelsea's £55million offer for the 23-year-old, but things now look to have changed.
Barca have been able to secure transfer funds by selling off TV rights which has allowed them to sign Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, Christensen and Franck Kessie in the summer transfer window. Whilst Kounde has not indicated whether he prefers a move to Camp Nou or Stamford Bridge, Barca always believed the Frenchman would rather join Xavi Heranandez's squad with the club now beleving they have beaten Chelsea to yet another signing.
Kalidou Koulibaly has already joined the Blues this summer as they begin to rebuild their defence ahead of next season. football.london understands that the west Londoners remain in talks to sign Presnel Kimpembe from Paris Saint-Germain, whilst RB Leipzig's Josko Gvardiol is also a potential target should a deal for Kounde not materialise.
READ NEXT:
Chelsea grow in confidence over Jules Kounde transfer as Barcelona face harsh reality
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest updates and rumours from Stamford Bridge
Full Chelsea Premier League fixture list for 2022/23
Todd Boehly's £800m plan to 'reshape' Chelsea with Stamford Bridge blueprint and new roles
Chelsea told 'top class' Koulibaly signing could help Tuchel challenge for title next season
