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Barcelona look to have won the race for Chelsea target Jules Kounde after Sevilla accepted a £55m offer from Barcelona.
Chelsea had a £55m bid for Kounde accepted last week, but Barcelona have managed to find sufficient funds to counter Chelsea’s offer and the Frenchman is keen on a move to the Nou Camp.
Football columnist, Fabrizio Romano, tweeted on his official handle that Barcelona are closer to signing the French defender
“Barcelona are now getting closer to Jules Koundé. Positive contacts also in the morning, personal terms are fully agreed with Koundé – working on final bid. ??? #FCB
This is a big blow to Chelsea who lost out on Leeds winger Raphinha to Barcelona earlier this month.
Reports in Spain say Kounde’s shirt name was temporarily available for purchase on Barcelona’s website, which suggests that the deal is almost finalised.
But Barcelona in a swift move have deleted the name, eager not to stir any extra speculation ahead of his imminent signature.
Kounde made no secret of his desire to join Barcelona where the LaLiga giants were able to raise the funds to compete with Chelsea financially.
The 23-year-old centre-back made 32 appearances in the top flight last season as Sevilla finished fourth behind Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.