Chelsea have been handed a major transfer boost after Sevilla director Monchi revealed there are 'zero contacts' between Sevilla and Barcelona for Jules Kounde.
The La Liga outfit have been aware of the Blues' interest since last summer and wishes to complete a deal that would see the France international make the move to Stamford Bridge ahead of next season. Barcelona emerged as rivals for Kounde's signature in recent weeks, with the Spanish giants reportedly keen to sign the 23-year-old to partner Ronald Araujo.
Kounde would be available for a fee in the region of £60million this summer, with Sevilla in need of funds to overhaul their squad. Monchi revealed that there are no ongoing talks between the club and Barca, admitting that Galatasaray defender Marcao is on the club's list of targets.
READ MORE: What Jules Kounde has done to 'anger' Sevilla amid Chelsea and Barcelona transfer links
Thomas Tuchel is keen to strengthen his squad ahead of next season, with new owner Todd Boehly ensuring the Blues' boss is significantly backed this summer. Following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, Tuchel wants at least two new centre-backs to move to Stamford Bridge.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano tweeted Monchi's quotes in which the Sevilla director admitted: "There are zero contacts with Barcelona for Jules Kounde. No talks ongoing. I understand Xavi as Araujo and Kounde together would be great, but there's nothing. Marcao? He is one of many options on my list," Romano continued.
The Blues have been linked with moves for the likes of Matthijs de Ligt, Kalidou Koulibaly, Presnel Kimpembe and Nathan Ake, as well as Kounde. It looks as though Chelsea will have a free run at signing the 23-year-old this summer, with Barcelona having yet to hold talks with Sevilla over a possible deal.
Barca's financial situation leaves the club needing to move on key players such as Frenkie de Jong to free up wages and budget to strengthen the squad elsewhere. De Jong has been linked with a move to Manchester United in a potential £65million deal, which would free up the funds for the Spanish giants to make a move for Kounde.
For now, the Blues have a clear shot at signing the France international, but the club are yet to make a formal offer for the defender so far. Meanwhile, Chelsea have been offered the chance to sign United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo with the Portugal international, having asked to leave Old Trafford this summer in an attempt to play Champions League football for the remainder of his career.
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