Chelsea face losing another transfer battle to Barcelona this summer. The Blues were beaten to Leeds United talisman Raphinha by the Blaugrana, who had also previously signed their academy graduate Andreas Christensen on a free transfer. Presently, the Catalans are closing in on a mega-money move for Sevilla central defender Jules Kounde, despite Chelsea entering advanced negotiations for the Frenchman over the weekend.
According to 90MIN, Chelsea had struck a verbal agreement with Sevilla for a fee in the region of 55 million pounds, with personal terms between the club and the player already agreed. However, Barcelona entered negotiations late, and though they have presented their Spanish counterparts with a lower offer, they now lead the race to sign the France international on a long-term deal.
As per Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona’s offer of 50 million euros – plus an additional ten in add-ons – is lower than that of Chelsea. But, the Blaugrana have the player’s approval and are proceeding with the transfer, which they hope to complete in the coming days. Chelsea aren’t completely out of the race yet, but, still awaiting Sevilla’s approval to move forward with the deal, are prepared to examine alternatives.
One of the alternatives that the Blues explored at the start of the week was RB Leipzig’s Nordi Mukiele, reports The Athletic.
Chelsea showed late interest in the versatile French defender, who, by that time, was already on his way to Paris, with Leipzig and Paris Saint-Germain in agreement over a transfer.
Furthermore, according to rumors, should the Premier League side move on definitely from the Kounde deal, they will focus their efforts on Inter Milan’s Milan Skriniar, Villarreal’s Pau Torres, RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol, and Bayern Munich duo Benjamin Pavard and Dayot Upamecano.
The Blues also explored the possibility of signing Nathan Ake from Manchester City earlier this summer, but talks fell through after the two sides couldn’t strike an agreement.
