Barcelona are pouring their entire efforts to get the Jules Kounde transfer over the line currently as they look to beat Chelsea for a second time in the market this summer.
Contrasting reports continue to emerge on the Frenchman’s situation, but as things stand, a move to Barcelona is looking very much likely, a completely flipped scenario from 48 hours ago, when Chelsea were clearly the frontrunners.
However, while Barça have made progress on their efforts to sign Kounde, they are now staring at the risk of missing out on another of their targets in Cesar Azpilicueta.
The Chelsea captain has been the Catalans’ priority target to bolster the right-back slot this summer. A deal was believed to be close a while ago, with the player even agreeing personal terms with the Blaugrana.
However, there could be a scenario that Chelsea end up blocking Azpilicueta’s move to Barcelona, with manager Thomas Tuchel hinting as much in a recent interview.
Furthermore, some reports in Spain indicate that Barça themselves might decide not to pursue a new right-back if they sign Kounde.
However, journalist Gerard Romero has claimed that there is still hope that Azpilicueta will arrive at Camp Nou this summer, despite the supposed friction between Chelsea and Barcelona.
The 32-year-old Chelsea legend is in the final year of his contract and has informed the club that he wishes to join the Blaugrana. So, the Premier League giants could sanction an exit out of respect for Azpilicueta’s decade-long services at Stamford Bridge.
The deal to sign Azpilicueta could cost Barcelona around €4 million in fixed amount plus another €2 million in variables as reported by Romero.
A seasoned campaigner with years of experience under his belt and a top-notch leader, Azpilicueta would be a good short-term signing for the Blaugrana. Whether Chelsea sanction a transfer remains the big question now.