Some major reshuffling is underway at Chelsea with several key first-team defenders on their way out. Marcos Alonso and Cesar Apzilicueta are both linked with FC Barcelona again, while the Blues are hoping to bring in Jules Kounde.
As per Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona are in advanced negotiations with Alonso over a summer transfer. The Blaugrana have earmarked the Chelsea star as potential cover at left-back, and the Spaniard wants to return to his native country, 12 years after leaving it, to resume his playing career. A former Real Madrid youth player, Alonso could be available to Barca on the cheap with his contract expiring in 2023, but they are yet to open talks with Chelsea regarding the same.
Another Chelsea player Barcelona are keen on is Cesar Azpilicueta. The Blues’ skipper had his contract automatically extended until the end of the 2022/23 season, but still is the subject of interest from Barca, who have offered the veteran a two-year contract to play for them. However, Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel claimed he was wary of losing too many first-team players this summer and revealed that the club remains in contract with him over finding a resolution.
“He is our captain. We are still in dialogue and at some point, we are also selfish because we are not responsible to solve any other club’s problems or to fulfill any other club’s wishes.
“Given the fact that we lose key defenders already, it’s not the ideal scenario to think about losing Azpi, even though I can understand his personal point of view.”
uchel told the club’s website.
Chelsea are also expected to lose Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger this summer, while the futures of Azpilicueta and Alonso remain uncertain. As such, the Blues are likely to dip into the transfer market for reinforcements, and one such player they are keen on is Sevilla’s Jules Kounde.
As per Goal, Chelsea have already put plans in place to sign the Frenchman once their takeover is complete. The Premier League outfit came close to signing him the summer before, only for Sevilla to step away from the deal at the eleventh hour. According to the report, the Spanish side will ask the Blues to pay 59 million pounds to take him away – this time around.
