Chelsea look set to miss out on the signing of Jules Kounde to Spanish giants FC Barcelona, it has been reported.
Chelsea and Barcelona have already done battle for one major signing this summer in the form of Raphinha.
The Blues stole a march on Arsenal for the Brazilian, who did look to be Stamford Bridge bound.
However, Barcelona swooped in and, despite their financial issues, were able to agree a deal with Leeds United for the South American.
Now, La Blaugrana look set to do the same to Chelsea in their hunt for Jules Kounde.
Chelsea were heavily linked with the Frenchman last summer, and earlier this week it was reported that Kounde was set to become Chelsea’s third signing of the summer following the captures of Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly:
Kounde set to become Chelsea’s third summer signing in a deal that could give Azpilicueta the green light to go #cfc https://t.co/p0ppITuXHc
— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) July 22, 2022
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Now though, according to Spanish outlet Sport, it looks as though Barcelona have moved ahead of Chelsea in the race for Kounde’s signature, even though the Blues had also agreed a fee for the player.
Sport report that Kounde to FC Barcelona is getting closer, with the Spanish side having reached a pre-agreement with the French player on a four-year contract. Barca are understood to be hopeful of completing the transfer for Kounde in the coming week.
Should Chelsea miss out on Kounde, Presnel Kimpembe of PSG would be their only remaining summer target after a deal for Nathan Ake fell through and Matthijs de Ligt joined Bayern Munich.
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