In need of a second centre-back in the summer window, Chelsea showed firm interest in signing Jules Koundé from Sevilla.
The La Liga side’s sporting director, Monchi, confirmed Sevilla had even reached a verbal agreement with the Blues on July 21st for the sale of the defender. However, the deal didn’t take shape because the west London club hesitated.
Chelsea’s failure to complete the operation for the 23-year-old had allowed Barcelona to acquire his services.
The France international has completed his move to the Camp Nou and was presented to the media on Monday. The centre-back was directly quizzed about the approach made by Thomas Tuchel’s side to secure his signature this summer.
Responding to that, the former Bordeaux man said, relayed by Mundo Deportivo: “Yes, Chelsea wanted me, but I chose Barça because I wanted to get here, it wasn’t an effort for me.”
With regards to the option of joining Chelsea before agreeing to sign for Barcelona, Marca have also gathered more comments from the Frenchman.
“I had another opportunity. I waited for Barça’s agreement with Sevilla. And I chose it, because it’s a club with an ambitious project, I like the league…” the player explained.
Koundé also detailed the importance of the conversation he had with Barca manager Xavi Hernández to arrive at the Camp Nou.
“I spoke with Xavi, the conversations were fluid. I felt his affection, he really wanted him to come, and this is important to me. He asked me to do what I did at Sevilla: get the ball, be aggressive…” he added.
