Chelsea eye €50m move for Barcelona defender Jules Kounde

Chelsea are exploring a potential January move for Jules Kounde, with Barcelona reportedly prepared to consider offers exceeding €50 million for the French defender.

According to journalist Matteo Moretto, speaking on Radio Marca, Chelsea have made enquiries about the 27-year-old and are assessing the financial requirements of a possible transfer. The Premier League club previously came close to signing Kounde before he joined Barcelona from Sevilla in 2022.

“With a view to January, they are sounding out the situation and looking at the figures involved in this potential deal,” Moretto said.

Kounde’s future at Barcelona has come under scrutiny after he struggled to secure regular playing time under Hansi Flick. The defender has accumulated just 261 minutes across five appearances this season, with Eric Garcia increasingly competing for the right-back position.

Moretto suggested that Barcelona could consider selling the France international to generate funds for a high-profile striker, although no agreement has been reached and the reported valuation remains an estimate rather than an officially confirmed asking price.

Despite the uncertainty, Kounde remains an important option because of his ability to operate at both right-back and centre-back. His departure would therefore require Barcelona to weigh potential financial gains against the loss of a versatile defender.

Chelsea’s interest could develop further as the January transfer window approaches, but a transfer remains far from certain.