Transfer blow: Chelsea’s target sign deal with Barcelona

Chelsea have suffered a major transfer blow this summer as their target Jules Kounde has signed a deal with Barcelona.

The Blues were close to sealing a deal for him before the Spanish club wrap up a transfer for the Sevilla defender this week.

Kounde was expected to join the west London side as a replacement for Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, who joined Real Madrid and Barcelona, respectively, this summer.

Chelsea were close to sealing a £55million deal on Friday, but Barcelona are now set to hijack the deal.

The reports revealed that Barca manager, Xavi Hernandez played an instrumental role in persuading Kounde to move to Camp Nou instead of Chelsea.

According to Sport, the Catalans have now agreed on personal terms with the 23-year-old, who will commit to a four-year deal at the Camp Nou.

While Barcelona’s offer will fall short of the £55m bid tabled by Chelsea, they plan to pay their entire fee up front and believe Sevilla will accept their terms.