So much has been said and written over the past few days about Jules Kounde’s future amid interest from both Barcelona and Chelsea.
At one point, the Frenchman looked set for a move to London, with Chelsea and Sevilla reportedly reaching an agreement over a €65 million deal. However, Barça forced their way back into the race and are now reported to be closer to signing the defender than Chelsea.
Kounde has always favoured a transfer to Camp Nou and has reportedly reached a pre-agreement over a four-year deal.
And late on Sunday, reports in Spain claimed that Barcelona and Sevilla had also come to an agreement over a transfer, with the Catalans believed to be shelling out €50 million, plus €10 million in add-ons.
However, not long after that, Radioestadio Noche came up with a fresh update on the situation, claiming that Sevilla have been left confused by Barcelona’s confidence about signing Kounde as they have made no offers for the 23-year-old centre-back.
The report contradicts the claim about the two clubs reaching an agreement over a transfer fee for the former Bordeaux starlet, as it states that Barça are yet to make an offer.
It would be prudent to say that the picture regarding an agreement is not entirely clear at this moment. What appears to be certain, though, is that Barcelona are closing in on the capture of Kounde, thanks to the player’s desire to move to Camp Nou.
The French international has been Xavi Hernandez’s priority defensive target this summer and landing him would make it an exceptional transfer window for the Catalans, who have already roped in stars like Robert Lewandowski, Franck Kessie, Andreas Christensen and Raphinha.