CHELSEA have rekindled their transfer interest in Barcelona star Jules Kounde… while they keep eyeing Bournemouth ace Dean Huijsen.
The Blues have been looking for a highly-rated centre-back ever since Thiago Silva’s departure from Stamford Bridge last year.
According to Sport, the West Londoners are planning another bid for Kounde, 26, whom they tried to sign from Sevilla in 2022 before Barca hijacked the deal with a £42million swoop.
The same source claims Chelsea need a central defender that can also cover at full-back, making the France international the perfect pick for manager Enzo Maresca.
Kounde was initially supposed to play at centre-back under previous Barcelona boss Xavi but the Spanish tactician quickly realised how good he is at right-back as well and changed his position.
Current Blaugrana manager Hansi Flick has continued to field the Frenchman on the right flank of his defence and the player has proven to be among the best in Europe.
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Kounde is “very happy” in Catalonia and is keen to sign a new contract.
His current deal is set to expire in 2026.
However, the defender is fully aware he could earn more at Stamford Bridge amid Barcelona’s ongoing financial woes.
Plus, Kounde would almost certainly play in his natural position at centre-back with the Premier League giants.
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Barcelona are full in that position and are planning a move for Bayer Leverkusen ace Jonathan Tah this summer.
Chelsea, though, are prepared for another potential transfer blow involving the ex-Bordeaux star.
And that is why they are also eyeing Bournemouth’s Huijsen, 19, ahead of the summer transfer window.
However, the same source claims Real Madrid are also keeping tabs on the Spain international.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
