Barcelona have agreed a take care of Sevilla for defender Jules Kounde, with the Catalan membership beating Chelsea to the French worldwide.
Sky Sports activities Information reported final week that Chelsea had been assured of signing the French worldwide defender, however the 23-year-old selected to remain in Spain and undertake the colours of Barcelona.
On Friday the Blues reached an settlement for Kounde with Sevilla, who most popular the participant to depart for Stamford Bridge moderately than be a part of a direct rival in Barcelona. Chelsea grew to become pissed off over not listening to a choice from the participant on Saturday and determined to maneuver on to different targets on Sunday.
And on Thursday night, Barcelona confirmed that they’ve reached an settlement with Sevilla for the signing of Kounde, with the defender now set for medical examinations in Catalonia earlier than writing down the contract.
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Spanish soccer knowledgeable Graham Hunter explains how Barcelona can afford their summer time signings and their monetary scenario
Chelsea, who signed Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly earlier this month and in addition confirmed curiosity in Manchester Metropolis center-back Nathan Ake, will proceed their seek for one other new center-back. Sky Sports activities Information revealed earlier this week that the Blues are thrilled with French Leicester defender Wesley Fofana.
Fofana signed a two-year contract extension with Leicester in March. His deal will final till 2027. Chelsea misplaced Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen to Spanish soccer, with the pair becoming a member of Actual Madrid and Barcelona respectively.
How did Barcelona handle to steal Kounde from Chelsea?
Sky Sports activities Information reporter Dharmesh Sheth:
“For those who take a look at the switch window final summer time and this summer time, Chelsea had been very, very within the signing of Jules Kounde. In actual fact, up till two weeks in the past they had been assured that they might signal him. However then Barcelona are entered the fray, and it seemed as if Kounde’s head had been turned.
“It’s in all probability not in Sevilla’s curiosity to promote Kounde to Barcelona as a result of the Chelsea deal would have been a superb deal that Sevilla would have favored to pursue. Sevilla and Barcelona are in the identical league and are doubtlessly Champions League rivals.
“Chelsea had been additionally on the lookout for Raphinha, they thought they’d a take care of Leeds however they misplaced to Barcelona. It is simply one other chapter within the saga of: how are Barcelona doing all this enterprise?”
Tuchel “irritated” by Azpilicueta’s pursuit of Barca
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Chelsea supervisor Thomas Tuchel says there may be “no replace” on his membership’s seek for Sevilla’s Jules Kounde and in addition says he doesn’t need to surrender Cesar Azpilicueta.
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel, in the meantime, admitted he was “somewhat irritated by Barcelona for locating Cesar Azpilicueta.
The 32-year-old has 12 months left on his Chelsea contract and has reportedly requested to depart the membership after a decade at Stamford Bridge to return to his native Spain with Barcelona.
However Tuchel says he is unsure he desires to provide Azpilicueta “what he desires” and believes Barca have underestimated the defender, evaluating his worth to that of the latest seize of Chelsea Koulibaly, who signed for £ 33m.
Chelsea supervisor Thomas Tuchel (left) and Cesar Azpilicueta of Chelsea (proper)
Requested if he was bothered by the pursuit of Azpilicueta by the Spanish giants, Tuchel replied: “Possibly somewhat.”
When requested in regards to the Spaniard’s future, Tuchel mentioned: “It is a troublesome query as a result of I am unsure I need to give Azpi what he desires.
“Sooner or later it comes right down to what we wish. I simply in contrast how a lot we fought for Koulibaly, who’s a nationwide group participant and roughly the identical age.
Koulibaly has been the topic of curiosity from different golf equipment. Credit score: ChelseaFC
“He’s a vital participant for Napoli, however we now have a Spanish worldwide who’s the captain of Chelsea. I see him perhaps on the identical stage however Barcelona do not see him at that stage. So I am unsure I would like him. Give him what he desires as a result of he is a good participant.
“We do not suppose a lot about different golf equipment. The main focus is on us and what we’d like. I instructed him and I inform you that I perceive on a private {and professional} stage. However I am not alone on this position to provide him what he desires. need I’m a Chelsea supervisor who desires to do one of the best for Chelsea.
“He does not prefer it however he understands. It is arduous for him as a result of the opposite membership is at all times on him. On September 1, when issues settle down, he’ll be capable of play on the highest stage.”
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