Jules Kounde could soon hand Arsenal an unexpected major blow as Chelsea and Barcelona battle for the Sevilla defender's signature. The 23-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the Camp Nou this summer but, with the Spanish giants yet to solve their well-documented financial woes, the Blues look well positioned to hijack a deal.
football.london understand that Thomas Tuchel's side are plotting to table a bid this week after having verbally agreed personal terms earlier in the window. As Chelsea stride towards welcoming Kounde to Stamford Bridge, Barcelona are said to have drawn up a list of alternatives.
According to Spanish journalist Gerard Romero, Xavi has noted William Saliba as a potential candidate to replace the France international in the event that Barcelona fail their mission to sign the France international. It's believed that Milan Skriniar, Josko Gvardiol, Inigo Martinez and Roger Ibanez are on the Spanish side's list too, so it's not all doom and gloom if Chelsea reign victorious.
