Chelsea ‘want’ player, new owners could be key – Club have ‘promised to sell’ this summer

On Tuesday, La Colina de Nervión reported Chelsea are the ‘main suitors’ for Sevilla star Jules Koundé.

Mundo Deportivo on Wednesday state the 23-year-old is ‘wanted’ by Barcelona as their manager, Xavi Hernández, his backroom staff and the club’s sporting leaders ‘really like’ him.

It’s claimed Chelsea also ‘want’ the defender in the summer and will ‘rival’ the Catalan club to acquire his services.

After refusing to let the France international leave in the previous two windows, the La Liga side have ‘promised to sell’ him, should they receive a convincing offer. His €90m release clause is a ‘big obstacle’ for Barca and they cannot even think of paying that fee.

Sevilla are aware of the Camp Nou side’s interest in Koundé and are willing to accept a player plus cash deal for their prized asset. Barca’s intention is to offer Sergiño Dest and Clement Lenglet.

Julen Lopetegui’s side look ‘very favourably’ at taking the American but are reluctant to have Lenglet back at the club. Barca are waiting to strike a financial balance and also see what players Sevilla will accept in exchange for the centre-back.

While waiting, Barcelona must beware of the ‘competition’ they will face from Chelsea.

Although Thomas Tuchel’s side ‘want’ the Frenchman, Mundo do state that it remains to be seen whether Chelsea will ‘return to the fray’ for Koundé, after the arrival of their new owners.