It's safe to say that things have not gone entirely to plan so far this summer for Chelsea.
After the initial buzz of the new £4.25billion takeover that has been followed by two top calibre signings with both Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly joining, things looked up for the Blues. However, the US pre-season tour coupled with some activity off the field has certainly left some supporters with a sour taste in their mouths as the new Premier League season moves closer to kick-off.
On the pitch, unconvincing performances against all of Club America, Charlotte FC and most recently Arsenal have cast a doubt in the minds of fans ahead of the new season. Off the pitch, the Blues looked in a rather strong position to poach long-term target Jules Kounde after attention turned away from Bayern Munich-bound Matthijs de Ligt. However, Barcelona look set to beat Todd Boehly and manager Thomas Tuchel to the punch again following the deal to take Raphinha to Spain.
READ MORE: Chelsea can complete £339m Barcelona raid to plot revenge on Kounde and Raphinha transfer misery
Fabrizio Romano amongst other is now reporting that Barcelona are in prime position to sign Kounde as personal terms were agreed on Sunday night ahead of a bid being sent to Sevilla imminently.
It's been a chain of events that has apparently left Chelsea unhappy as attentions are set to shift elsewhere for the Blues with Milan Skriniar and other centre-half options now back on the agenda.
"What I can also confirm is that Chelsea are not happy with the situation," Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano confirmed on the Que Golazo podcast on Monday. "They are getting tired waiting because they have been waiting since last Wednesday or Tuesday to receive a green light from Kounde and Sevilla on £55million bid and a five year deal offered to Jules Kounde.
"And still, no green light for Kounde, so if Chelsea do not get green light today or tomorrow, they will be prepared to leave the deal and focus on other centre-backs.
"They are already exploring some potential alternatives, so they are not in advanced talks with any other players yet as they are still focussed on Kounde and they are getting tired.
"This Kounde saga is moving towards its end, so soon we will know for certain where he plays and Barcelona are now leading the race."
Another hint to show this transfer saga drawing to a close against Chelsea is what Barca have done since this update came out. As spotted by @Barca_Buzz and others, the club had put Kounde's name on their available shirt options on their megastore before taking it down quickly.
Chelsea fans- Who do you want the club to sign at centre-half as Jules Kounde moves further away? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!
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