Jules Kounde and Barcelona have reached an agreement on a four-year contract, and they want to sign the Sevilla defender this coming week.
In need of defensive reinforcements after the exits of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, Chelsea was optimistic that it could sign the France international.
On Friday, Thomas Tuchel’s team were on the verge of finalizing a £55 million deal, but Barcelona is now reportedly planning to hijack the deal, with Xavi reportedly playing a key part in convincing Kounde to turn down a transfer to Samford Bridge.
It is reported that Barcelona and the 23-year-old have reached a personal agreement, with the player committing to a four-year contract at the Camp Nou.
Barcelona hopes to complete the trade this coming week, the newspaper continues.
Barcelona’s offer will be less than Chelsea’s £55 million counteroffer, but they intend to pay the entire sum up front and think Sevilla will agree to their terms.
Although Xavi did not directly address inquiries about Barcelona’s pursuit of Kounde, the Barcelona manager reiterated after the preseason victory over Real Madrid in Las Vegas that “we are trying to reinforce all positions, that is what we are doing.”
