Barcelona president Joan Laporta has claimed that Chelsea will sign Sevilla defender Jules Kounde this summer. It comes after the two clubs have been embroiled in a battle to sign the France international while his side look to move him on.
The 23-year-old could be a key part of the rebuild at Stamford Bridge in the transfer market. Thomas Tuchel lost two influential members of his back five in Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen as free agents at their end of their contracts, leaving the German coach light in defensive numbers.
One addition has already been made to try and alleviate this concern, with Kalidou Koulibaly joining from Napoli. football.london understands that Tuchel wants two more centre-back options at his disposal, with an offer being prepared for both Kounde and PSG's Presnel Kimpembe.
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The former of the two appears to be the priority, given the fact the Blues have already agreed personal terms with the defender. Last season, Kounde made 32 La Liga appearances, guiding Sevilla to fourth in the division and back into the Champions League.
However, the Blues have had competition for his signature, with plenty of speculation over a move to Barcelona. The Catalonian side have been a constant name in Chelsea's transfer business, be it in battles over the likes of Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski or the direct contact over a switch for Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso.
While the Blaugrana seemed to be in the battle for Kounde, President Laporta suggested otherwise. He told @Relevo on Twitter: "Kounde? No, he will sign for Chelsea."
While it may appear as an admission of defeat, it could well be a ploy from the La Liga side in trying to land the Frenchman. Equally, this could be backed up by something Gerard Romero claims, via @ReshadRahman_, who said: "People in the club told me that Laporta was just being ironic here."
It remains to be seen exactly which way this transfer saga will twist and turn next, but Chelsea will be hoping it can result in their third signing of the summer.
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