Earlier on Friday, we covered claims made in Spain that Chelsea have ‘put all the meat on the grill’ in order to beat Barcelona to Jules Koundé.
The La Liga side had enjoyed renewed hope around signing the defender, after a further effort this week to ease their financial situation.
Despite the incoming financial injection, which the club confirmed this morning, Barca are unlikely to overcome competition from Chelsea to acquire the 23-year-old’s services. This is according to the Catalan club’s president, Joan Laporta, who dismissed his side’s chances when approached by Relevo, relayed by Sport.
Laporta was specifically asked if his side will sign the France international. Responding to that, he said: “No, not Koundé. He is signed by Chelsea.”
Having already lost Antonio Rüdiger and Andreas Christensen, Chelsea have strengthened their centre-back position by signing Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli. The addition of the former Bordeaux man will further bolster their defence.
Koundé has travelled Portugal with Sevilla for a pre-season trip. Despite the Barca chief’s comment, Sport state this is seen as a sign the Sevilla star is waiting for Xavi Hernández’s side.
Laporta saying one thing in public and believing a different thing in private would not be a huge surprise, but it still sounds optimistic for Chelsea.
