Chelsea in ‘constant contact’ with Barcelona superstar

Chelsea are reportedly in “constant contact” with Jules Kounde’s representatives as they look to finally sign the Barcelona defender this summer.

The France international rejected a Stamford Bridge switch back in 2022, in favour of joining Barca, but Chelsea have remained in contact with his camp ever since and the Blues would “love” to bring him to the club ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.

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That is according to TBR Football, who claim that Barcelona want to tie Kounde down to a new contract, but they will be open to a sale if negotiations don’t progress soon as he is one of the club’s most sellable assets.

Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool are also reportedly keeping tabs on Kounde and they have all asked to be kept informed on his situation at Camp Nou.

The 26-year-old has made a whopping 52 appearances across all competitions for Barcelona so far this season, scoring four goals, and his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) currently stands at €58.6 million.

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Chelsea to sign Jules Kounde?

Despite Chelsea’s rumoured interest in Kounde, the Frenchman appears unlikely to move to Stamford Bridge due to the fact Barcelona have been transformed into one of Europe’s best teams under Hansi Flick.

Chelsea, on the other hand, face an uphill battle to secure Champions League qualification for next season with a tough set of Premier League fixtures remaining.

As a result, the Blues may instead opt to promote Josh Acheampong into a more prevalent first-team role next year after several eye-catching performances in the Europa Conference League so far this term.

The England U19 international is capable of playing at right-back or centre-back, like Kounde, and Maresca recently admitted he is “in love” with the Cobham academy graduate following his display away to Legia Warsaw in early April.