Chelsea weigh winter move for Barcelona’s versatile defender Jules Kounde

Chelsea are preparing for a possible approach for Barcelona defender Jules Kounde, who is admired by head coach Xabi Alonso and could become available during the January transfer window.

The 28-year-old has endured a difficult season at Barcelona after losing his place in the starting line-up. He has also been sidelined for a month with an ankle sprain, although he is expected to leave the club’s injury list in the coming days and return to contention.

Kounde’s reduced role has coincided with Eric Garcia’s improved performances and inconsistency in the Frenchman’s displays. As a result, his importance to Hansi Flick’s side has gradually diminished.

According to Sport, Chelsea’s interest in Kounde is growing, despite the player currently focusing on regaining his position at Barcelona. Team Talk has also reported that the London club remain strongly interested in the defender.

Chelsea already made enquiries about signing Kounde last summer, according to transfer expert Matteo Moretto. They could revive that interest when the transfer window reopens in the winter.

The Premier League club are considering the possibility of Malo Gusto leaving, while Alonso is understood to be a major admirer of Kounde’s ability to operate in more than one defensive position.

Kounde can play at centre-back or right-back, and his experience at the highest level is viewed as something that could help Chelsea improve their defensive stability. The club are also prepared to make a strong financial offer to Barcelona.

Chelsea are currently fifth in the Premier League with 16 points from 10 matches.

Barcelona have yet to decide how they would respond to a formal proposal. The Catalan club are assessing whether Kounde can return to his best form or whether it would be preferable to sanction a move elsewhere.

At present, Barcelona have neither closed the door on negotiations nor committed to opening discussions. Sporting director Deco’s department is studying the transfer market for a centre-back, but the club will not allow a defender to leave until a suitable replacement has been secured.

That stance is especially significant because Kounde was one of the key components of Flick’s plans, particularly during the manager’s first season in charge.

The player himself has not ruled out a change of scenery and could consider leaving Barcelona in the coming months. He has also attracted interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia, but his representatives have made clear that his overwhelming preference, should he depart the Spotify Camp Nou, would be a move to the Premier League.

The decisive factor is likely to be Kounde’s playing time and performances over the coming weeks, which will help determine whether he remains at Barcelona or moves on.