Jules Kounde latest: Sevilla director makes Chelsea admission after rubbishing Barcelona talks

Sevilla director Monchi admits that Chelsea are among a number of sides chasing star defender Jules Kounde but has flatly denied reported talks with LaLiga rivals Barcelona.

Kounde has been a Stamford Bridge target long before the club’s new regime took over and it appears that new co-owner Todd Boehly is still hoping to get the deal over the line.

Discussions have slowed in recent weeks, however, given Chelsea’s transition in ownership – with several of the club’s decision-makers moving on.

That allowed Barca to step in, with the Catalan side looking at ways to beat the Blues to the punch.

But speaking to Onda Cero, Monchi completely played down talk of the player being Nou Camp bound.

“Xavi has good taste, wanting [Ronald] Araujo and Kounde as his central defenders, they’d be a great partnership,” he said. “But so far, there has been zero contact with Barcelona.

“I know that Chelsea have to look for two central defenders. And the interest in Kounde comes from England and other countries.

“I would have to be a fortune teller to know what is going to happen.”

A report from 90min claims that Kounde actually prefers a move to London. However, his representatives are known to have grown frustrated at the delays in talks with Thomas Tuchel’s side. Especially when you consider that a deal was close to happening a year ago.

Chelsea are also known to be looking at Juventus star Matthijs de Ligt as a potential alternative, while Barca are also exploring cheaper options of their own.

Monchi reveals latest Kounde plans

Monchi finished by saying that the plan with Kounde at the current time is for him to return to pre-season.

He added: “He has established himself with France and will play at the World Cup, it’s logical that there is interest in him, and there is.

“As of today, he is recovering from injury in Los Angeles and will fly to Korea later like the rest of the international players.”

Barcelona have, meanwhile, snapped up one former Chelsea defender in the form of Andreas Christensen.

The Catalan side announced the Dane’s arrival after confirming a deal to sign midfielder Franck Kessie from AC Milan.

Barcelona confirmed in a statement that Christensen has signed a four-year deal. He will also have a whopping €500million (£430million) release clause.

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