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According to fresh reports, Barcelona has closed the signing of Jules Kounde from Sevilla, and rejected the offer from Chelsea. Earlier reports claimed that Kounde is supposed to join the Blues and would join with Kalidou Koulibaly for the upcoming season, but the latest turn of events have indicated Barcelona winning this particular transfer race.
Multiple reports have claimed that Kounde is more likely to remain in La Liga than move to the Premier League. Journalist Gerard Romero had reported that Kounde to Barcelona was now 'just a matter of time'. Kounde has reportedly rejected a move to Chelsea and the defender is in constant touch with Barcelona manager Xavi ahead of a move.
The Sevilla star is now waiting for an agreement between his club and Barca, with a deal set to be agreed at worth €55million (£46.8million). Reports have hinted that Chelsea have done everything in their power they could to convince Kounde to join forces with them but they couldn't reach an agreement.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the situation has developed to such an extent that Chelsea are close to accepting defeat. Romano claimed that positive contact has been held between the relevant parties with Kounde ready to accept the personal terms with La Liga giants. Barcelona are reportedly working on a 'final bid', a move that would push Chelsea completely out of the picture. Chelsea are reportedly ready to start exploring other options with Thomas Tuchel eager to add to his defensive options ahead of the new season.
Barcelona and Chelsea have been the two leading suitors for Koune all summer as it was reported that the 23-year-old Frenchman was going to leave the Sanchez-Pizjuan for a club capable of competing for major honors. Earlier reports claimed that Chelsea was in the driving seat until recently, Barcelona hi-jacked yet another transfer move.
Kounde joined Sevilla in the summer of 2019 from Bordeaux and has since proven himself to be one of the finest center-back in La Liga and European football. He built a superb partnership at the heart of Sevilla's defense alongside Diego Carlos.