It's looked nailed on for a while now, but there is now some concern that Chelsea may miss out on Jules Kounde. Reports from Spain in recent days claim that Barcelona and Sevilla are in 'advanced negotiations' for the France international, despite Chelsea's strong interest.
football.london has been told for a while now that Kounde and Chelsea have a verbal agreement over personal terms. However, the Blues are yet to submit an official offer to Sevilla for the highly-rated defender, who came so close to a move to Stamford Bridge 12 months ago.
Barca have been interested in Kounde for the last few months, with Xavi trying to start a new revolution at the Nou Camp. Their financial woes are well-documented, but it doesn't seem to stop the Catalan club in the transfer window.
READ MORE: Chelsea's interest in possible Jules Kounde partner that Virgil van Dijk once called 'excellent'
At this stage, Chelsea supporters should not get too worried with the rumours floating around regarding Kounde, however. As of earlier this month, he wanted the move to the Bridge. There could have been a complete U-turn since, but only time will tell.
There are, however, a shortlist of defenders Chelsea have been keeping tabs on. With Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen both leaving the club, these defenders were meant to be in addition to Kounde, but if the Frenchman does not join Chelsea, then a couple could be signed from the following list...
Marquinhos
Sources have told football.london that Thomas Tuchel would love a reunion with Paris Saint-Germain centre-back Marquinhos at Stamford Bridge. The Brazil international worked with Tuchel during their days at PSG, but the Chelsea head coach appreciates a transfer this summer would be virtually impossible.
Presnel Kimpembe
Another man who worked with Tuchel at the Parc des Princes. Kimpembe is viewed as a more attainable target for Chelsea.
The 26-year-old Frenchman has just over two years remaining on his PSG contract and has been strongly linked with an exit this summer. Kimpembe was a valuable member of PSG's title-winning squad under Mauricio Pochettino last season, playing 30 matches in the French top-flight.
Josko Gvardiol
Gvardiol was watched many times for RB Leipzig by Chelsea scouts last season, football.london understands. The 20-year-old still has four years remaining on his contract at the Red Bull Arena but continues to be linked with a move away.
Leipzig have somewhat established themselves as a selling club over recent years and Chelsea will know that when it comes to negotiating with the Germans. Gvardiol's ability at just 20 means he is one for the future, but also has the talent to slot into a Chelsea back-line next season.
Matthijs de Ligt
It's understood that Chelsea hold a strong interest in De Ligt from Juventus. Talks have taken place between the two clubs, but the fee for the 22-year-old is thought to be an issue.
The Dutchman is one of European football's most sought-after defenders and would be a welcome acquisition to the Chelsea back-line. It would mean, though, that the Blues would have to spend big on a centre-back this summer.
Pau Torres
Chelsea have been linked with Torres for a while now, with the Villarreal defender seemingly always attracting interest from the Premier League. This summer is no different, with the Blues watching him on numerous occasions last season.
The 25-year-old is into the final two years of his contract with the Spanish club, who are determined to keep hold of him.
Jose Gimenez
Gimenez is another defender who is being watched closely by Chelsea. The Blues are interested in the 27-year-old Atletico Madrid defender, who once again impressed in La Liga last term.
