Chelsea transfer news: Blues to launch ‘aggressive’ approach for Barcelona defender ahead of Liverpool and Man City

Jules Kounde's future at Barcelona is far from certain, with Premier League clubs circling, and Chelsea is leading the chase.

As recently reported by Mundo Deportivo, the 27-year-old could leave the Spanish club at the end of the season. Barcelona are prepared to consider a departure in the event of a strong offer from the Premier League, with the former Bordeaux and Sevilla man having been heavily used by Hansi Flick this season, 41 appearances, three goals and four assists.

Chelsea plan aggressive approach for Kounde

According to CaughtOffside, Chelsea are prepared to move quickly for Kounde in the next summer window. A source cited by the outlet says that while Chelsea want to “remain true” to their policy of recruiting young players, the club are willing to sign “a more experienced player” such as the French international.

Aware that Kounde could leave Barcelona this summer, Chelsea are looking to pursue an “aggressive approach” with a swift offer. Under a long-term contract with the Catalan club until June 2030, Kounde is valued by Barcelona at between £65m and £69m. While Manchester City and Liverpool are “monitoring” the right-back, Chelsea are described as the suitor with “the most serious interest” at this stage.

Could Kounde play as a centre-back at Chelsea?

CaughtOffside also suggests that Chelsea could look to recruit Kounde as a centre-back — his original position — rather than at right-back. That would represent a positional step back for the Frenchman, who has been successfully deployed on the right flank at both Barcelona and for the French national team for several seasons now.

If confirmed, that would be welcome news for fellow Frenchman Malo Gusto. The former Lyon man,  Kounde's understudy in the France squad, could potentially line up alongside the Barcelona No. 23 next season.

It is worth noting that the end of the Premier League season is likely to have a significant bearing on the outcome of this transfer. If Chelsea — currently sixth — fail to qualify for next season's Champions League, Kounde may look towards another suitor, with second-placed Manchester City a natural alternative. Fifth-placed Liverpool are equally affected by this variable.