Barcelona is poised to make a proposal for Sevilla defender Jules Kounde on Monday after the player indicated that he would accept their terms.
Chelsea has a £55 million deal with Sevilla in place but is waiting for confirmation and is skeptical that Barcelona will match it. Bordeaux is also due for a 20% sell-on.
However, Barcelona coach Xavi has spoken to Kounde and they have growing confidence they can steal a player from beneath Chelsea’s noses for a second time following their deal for Raphinha.
Barcelona’s offer for Kounde is expected to be around £51m.
So far this summer, Barcelona have already brought in Andreas Christensen and they are eager to sign another center-back.
Kounde’s experience of playing in LaLiga is appealing for Barcelona, while he has also been capped eleven times by France.
The 23-year-old possesses impressive pace and aerial ability, while he is an excellent reader of the game.
It has been a very busy summer for Barcelona, which has made some high-profile acquisitions despite its financial problems.
Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Franck Kessie, and Christensen have all joined the club and there could be further arrivals.
Chelsea is looking to recruit in defense after losing Christensen and Antonio Rudiger. The Blues have already brought in Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli but want further reinforcements.
