Chelsea is reportedly interested in Jules Kounde, according to a Graeme Bailey story on HITC. Entering the summer transfer window, the Blues are looking for a right-footed center-back. And they exercised complete control over the adaptable 25-year-old Barcelona defender this week when they play Napoli in the UEFA Champions League.

The Story of Jules KoundeJules Kounde, who moved from Sevilla to Barcelona in July 2022, has performed admirably. The French international, a Parisian native, completed his youth division training with Girondins Bordeaux. However, he became well-known during his three years at the Andalusian club, Sevilla.

Since joining Barcelona, the 25-year-old has demonstrated his versatility by playing well at both center back and right back. Despite his preference to play center back, he can also play solidly on the right flank. Kounde has made 72 appearances for Barcelona thus far, with three goals and nine assists.

However, the Frenchman’s future at FC Barcelona is unclear since the Catalan team may decide to cash in on him during the summer transfer window. Barcelona needs to balance their books because they are under constant pressure due to financial problems. A number of prominent teams, including Chelsea, have taken notice of this scenario.

Chelsea Maintains Interest in KoundeJules Kounde was approached by Chelsea to sign with Sevilla before he joined Barcelona. It seems sense that there is still interest in the versatile 25-year-old defender given the questions surrounding Thiago Silva’s future. The Brazilian center defender, whose Chelsea contract is about to expire, is nearing the end of his playing days.

Silva is reportedly expected to depart Chelsea during the summer transfer window. Therefore, Chelsea has to spend money on a top-tier center defender, particularly if Trevoh Chalobah’s future at Stamford Bridge is in doubt. As a result, Kounde is a realistic target for the Blues, and their scouts will be watching him throughout this week’s UEFA Champions League matchup with Napoli.

Moving to the Premier League might be Kounde’s best option going forward, as Barcelona is considering selling him. Given that Manchester United is apparently interested in the adaptable Barcelona defense, it will be intriguing to see if Chelsea can defeat the opposition.