Chelsea and Barcelona have locked horns plenty already in the 2022 summer transfer market. The Blues lost central defender Andreas Christensen to the Blaugrana on a free transfer and were snubbed by Leeds United attacker Raphinha, who, despite the two Premier League clubs agreeing to terms, joined the LaLiga side instead in a 58 million euro transfer.
The two European heavyweights are expected to face off against each other in the market again in the coming days. Both, say reports, are interested in signing Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde.
As per Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have confirmed to Sevilla their intention to return with a bid for the Frenchman. The Blues chased after the youngster last summer, too, but were put off at the eleventh hour when the Spaniards raised their asking price for him. As things stand, the Andalusian outfit is looking for a transfer fee in the region of 65 million euros to part ways with their star defender. Barcelona, upon manager Xavi Hernandez’s request, are pushing to sign Kounde, too.
Meanwhile, Chelsea and Barcelona will meet in a more cordial setting to discuss the transfer of Cesar Azpiliceuta. Captain of the Chelsea team, Azpilicueta has attracted interest from Barcelona throughout the summer, with reports speaking of a free transfer being in the offing – even though the Blues extended his contract to last until the end of the 2022/23 season.
As per Romano, the two clubs will negotiate in the coming days to find a resolution, with Barcelona pushing to complete the deal as quickly as possible. Meanwhile, the Spanish defender is waiting for a solution to be found before he can decide whether to continue his career in London or sign a two-year deal until the end of the 2023/24 season, which would take him back to his native Spain.
