CHELSEA have been dealt a transfer blow with Barcelona reportedly set to snatch Sevilla defender Jules Kounde from under their noses.
The Blues agreed a £55million deal for the France international, 23, hoping to finally end their year-long chase of the defender.
Kounde will move to Barcelona in a £51m moveCredit: GettyHowever, Chelsea’s move for Kounde alerted Barca and the Catalan giants reignited their interest in the player.
And according to Sport, cash-strapped Barca have agreed a total deal worth £51m for Kounde.
The Frenchman has agreed a four-year contract with Barca, which will keep him at the Camp Nou until the summer of 2026.
Kounde becomes the latest LaLiga-based defender to snub a move to Stamford Bridge.
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Blues HUMILIATED by Arsenal, Rice SLAMS ‘annoying’ transfer links
Chelsea were tracking Real Madrid’s Eder Militao following the free transfer exits of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
Club captain Cesar Azpilicueta could also leave… for Barca.
However, Militao signed a new bumper contract, reaffirming his commitment to the European champions.
Kounde will become Barca’s third big money signing of the summer.
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CASINO SPECIAL – BEST NEW CUSTOMER SIGN UP DEALS
Leeds’ Raphinha has already joined the club for £52m and hit the ground running.
The Ballon d’Or 2021 runner-up Robert Lewandowski also forced an exit from Bayern Munich to join Barca.
Free transfers Franck Kessie and Christensen have also joined the club.
Such moves, considering Barca’s widely reported financial issues, have been questioned by people within the world of football.
Bitter Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann took a swipe at Barca, branding them “the only club that has no money but then… buys every player they want”.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
