Jules Kounde ‘rejects’ Chelsea move as Barcelona consider transfer ‘closed’

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Jules Kounde has sensationally rejected Chelsea’s proposal and is ‘closer than ever’ to joining Barcelona from Sevilla, according to reports in Spain. Kounde seemed all but set to complete a transfer to the Premier League after the Blues had a £55million bid accepted by Sevilla. 

Sevilla had accepted Chelsea’s bid and given cash-strapped Barca an ultimatum that they must match the offer or remove themselves from the transfer chase. It now appears that the Catalan outfit have had their own proposal green-lighted. 

A deal is now incredibly ‘closed’, according to reports, and Kounde has turned down an offer from Chelsea. The 23-year-old’s preferred destination was always Barca but he was open to joining the West Londoners if the La Liga side failed to stump up the cash required to prise him away from Sevilla. 

Once La Blaugrana made an offer, Kounde was likely to accept personal terms. The player will now remain in the Spanish top-flight rather than move to the Premier League. 

Spanish football journalist Miquel Blazquez claims that Kounde is now ‘closer than ever’ to joining Barca after rejecting Chelsea. It is a major blow to Thomas Tuchel, who has been scrambling to sign new defenders following the departures of Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger. 

Chelsea have already been turned down by a couple of targets and have only managed to acquire long-term target Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli. Tuchel now faces a race against time to make sure he has sufficient quality in his squad to be able to deploy his preferred back-three formation. 

We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures, and video on this breaking news story.

For the latest news and breaking news visit: /sport

Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion, and video on the stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter @DExpress_Sport – the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account – providing real news in real-time.

We’re also on Facebook @DailyExpressSport – offering your must-see news, features, videos, and pictures throughout the day to like, comment, and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express, and Express.co.uk.

Source: Read Full Article