- Blues tried to sign Jules Kounde in 2022 before his big money Barcelona move
- Versatile French defender has a deal with the Catalan club running until 2026
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Chelsea have reignited their interest in Barcelona defender Jules Kounde, while they keep tabs on in-demand Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen, according to a report.
The Blues have invested millions into their squad since the Boehly-Clearlake takeover in 2022 but defensive reinforcements remain of paramount importance.
The club has been linked with a number of centre-backs in recent windows, including Huijsen who has attracted interest from top European clubs after his stunning campaign with the Cherries.
According to Sport, Chelsea are ready to go back in for Kounde, who they tried to sign in 2022 from Seville before he completed a £46million move to Barcelona.
The report claims that the club are particularly keen on adding a defender capable of providing cover at full back. The Frenchman has almost exclusively been used in this position for the LaLiga giants.
His redeployment to the flank first came under former Barca manager Xavi but current head coach Hansi Flick has continued to field the 26-year-old at right back.
Chelsea have reportedly reignited their interest in versatile France defender Joules Kounde
The Blues tried to sign the 26-year-old in 2022 before he completed a big money move to Barcelona
Chelsea have invested heavily in their squad but the centre-back position remains a problem area
Dean Huijsen looks set to leave Bournemouth this summer amid interest from a host of top European clubs
Kounde is believed to be happy in Catalonia and has a contract until 2026.
The news comes following reports that the Blues are willing to pay over the odds for Cherries defender Huijsen this summer.
Madrid has emerged as the most likely destination for the 19-year-old, who made his senior debut for Spain against Netherlands, the country of his birth, last week.
Not only does he appear to be on his way to becoming one of the world’s premier centre-backs but the ball-playing defender is believed to have a release clause of just £50million.
Naturally, he is on the radar of Los Blancos, who, according to Spanish outlet Cadena SER, recently entertained Huijsen’s father at their Valdebebas training ground where he had a serendipitous encounter with club president Florentino Perez.
All paths appear to be leading to the Bernabeu, however, according to the outlet, Chelsea are ready to try their luck at torpedoing the move and are prepared to offer wages far in excess of what is being offered in Madrid.
