Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Liverpool and Manchester United target Jules Kounde, as per TEAMtalk.
After enduring a dire campaign last term, the Blues decided to appoint Xabi Alonso as the new manager this summer, and the Spanish boss has used a back three system thus far.
Chelsea currently have Josh Acheampong, Wesley Fofana, Reece James and Malo Gusto as the right-sided defenders. However, Fofana has struggled with fitness problems since joining from Leicester City.
On the other hand, Alonso has used James and Gusto in the engine room this season. As a result, it appears Chelsea have started exploring options to strengthen the backline next year.
Now, TEAMtalk claim that Chelsea hold a long-standing interest in Kounde and have been monitoring his situation closely before making a potential swoop.
Before the Frenchman’s move to Barcelona, the West London club expressed their interest in him, but he ultimately decided to move to the Catalan giants back in 2022.
However, he has struggled to break into Hansi Flick’s starting line-up this season. So, Barcelona are prepared to cash-in on him next year, although his existing deal is set to run until 2030.
Battle
The report state that intermediaries have started exploring options to find a new suitable destination for him, and Liverpool have been offered the chance to sign him.
The Reds previously expressed their interest in Kounde, but having signed Ronald Araujo from Barcelona, Andoni Iraola’s side might decide not to make a move for the former Sevilla star.
On the other hand, Manchester City, Man Utd and Arsenal have also been informed about the defender’s potential availability in 2027. Moreover, Bayern Munich are interested in signing Kounde, but he is keen on joining Chelsea.
Kounde, valued at around £51m by Transfermarkt, is a versatile right-footed defender as he can play in the right-back and centre-back positions.
With Conor Bradley struggling with fitness problems, Liverpool seemingly want a new right-back. On the other hand, following Diogo Dalot’s inconsistent performances over the years, it seems Man Utd are considering signing a new RB.
Kounde is a…
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