As the Jules Kounde-Chelsea-Barcelona situation continues to evolve, reliable transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has brought in a fresh update on the matter.
The Italian journalist is now reporting that Barcelona are now preparing their opening bid to submit to Sevilla for the signing of the 23-year-old defender.
There have been a lot of contrasting reports emerging on the situation. Some claim that Barça already have the Kounde deal in the bag and are preparing for an announcement, whereas others insist that there is no agreement between Sevilla and Barcelona over a transfer.
Romano has now claimed that he has learned from Sevilla sources that they are only in talks with Chelsea at the moment and have the Blues’ £55 million on the table, which is still very much valid. However, the Andalusians are yet to give them a green light to press ahead with the transfer.
The reliable transfer expert also claims that Barcelona are now preparing their opening offer for Kounde. It is stated that the bid is unlikely to be as high as Chelsea’s £55 million, but the structure of payment will be different.
It has been suggested earlier that Chelsea wish to make the payments to Sevilla in instalments, whereas the Blaugrana intend to make a single payment. So, even if they bid a lower amount, Sevilla could find that arrangement more favourable.
Unlike what had been reported in the past, Barcelona do not plan to include either Memphis Depay or Sergino Dest or any other player in their offer for Kounde, with the proposal set to be a cash-only deal.
Barça are understood to have a preliminary agreement with the French international over a four-year contract. Once they lodge an official offer, things are expected to speed up and a resolution on the matter will be reached.