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Exclusives
Chelsea still want to sign ‘one of the best defenders in the world’ even though he once rejected them
TBR Football can exclusively reveal that Chelsea have been in constant contact with the agents of Barcelona defender Jules Kounde.
The Blues started the season really well under Enzo Maresca, but things haven’t quite gone to plan in recent months.
Chelsea are currently sixth in the table, two points below the final Champions League spot. There is a big chance that they will not qualify.
However, irrespective of what happens, the West Londoners will strengthen their squad in the summer, and one of the players they would love to sign is Kounde.
Chelsea still love Jules Kounde and would love to sign him
TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey, understands that Chelsea remain hugely keen on Jules Kounde.
The Frenchman will enter the final two years of his contract at Barcelona this summer, and his future is up in the air.
Barcelona have had talks with Kounde’s camp about a new deal and want him to stay. But, if those talks don’t progress, a move is possible, and he is one of their most sellable assets.
TBR can reveal that the Blues have had constant contact with the defender’s people over the last two-and-a-half years, since he rejected them back in 2022.
Chelsea had agreed a deal to sign Kounde from Sevilla at the time, but the France international chose to join Barcelona instead.
TBR understands that Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool have all been kept informed of the situation, but Chelsea absolutely love the player.
We are told that Maresca’s side would still love the chance to bring him in, should the opportunity arise.
What Jules Kounde said about rejecting Chelsea in 2022
Kounde had made a great name for himself at Sevilla and attracted interest from several big clubs back in 2022.
Chelsea were very interested and did everything they could to get him. They even had a bid accepted by Sevilla at the time, but the defender did not agree to a move to Stamford Bridge.
During his unveiling at Barcelona, Kounde, who has been hailed as ‘one of the best defenders in the world’ by Xavi (), admitted that he could’ve joined the Blues.
But, he revealed that he only wanted the Catalans after finding out about their interest
“It’s true that I had the opportunity to sign for Chelsea, but we had to wait for Barca to find an agreement with Sevilla,” he said, as quoted by the .
“When I saw that it was possible, I chose Barcelona, I was very clear about that. It’s a big club and an ambitious project.”