Chelsea has renewed its interest in Barcelona defender Jules Kounde and is also monitoring Bournemouth`s Dean Huijsen.
The Blues have been in the market for a top-tier centre-back since Thiago Silva departed Stamford Bridge last year.
According to reports, Chelsea is preparing to make another offer for Kounde, 26. They previously attempted to sign him from Sevilla in 2022, but Barcelona secured his transfer for £42 million.
Sources indicate that Chelsea is looking for a central defender who is also capable of playing as a full-back, making the French international an ideal choice for manager Enzo Maresca.
Initially, Kounde was expected to play centre-back for Barcelona under former coach Xavi. However, Xavi quickly recognized Kounde`s abilities at right-back and shifted him to that position.
Current Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has continued to utilize Kounde on the right side of the defense, where he has excelled and is considered among the top players in Europe.
Kounde is reportedly “very happy” in Barcelona and is interested in signing a new contract. His current contract is set to expire in 2026.
However, the defender is aware of the potential for higher earnings at Stamford Bridge, especially given Barcelona`s ongoing financial challenges.
Furthermore, Kounde would likely play in his preferred centre-back position if he were to join the Premier League club.
Barcelona currently has depth in the right-back position and is reportedly planning to sign Bayer Leverkusen`s Jonathan Tah in the summer.
Chelsea is prepared for the possibility of missing out on Kounde once again.
This is why they are also considering Bournemouth`s 19-year-old defender Huijsen as a potential summer signing.
However, reports also suggest that Real Madrid is also monitoring the young Spanish defender.
