Chelsea are reportedly prepared to table a €100m (£83m) bid for Barcelona defender Jules Kounde, who is seemingly set to be offered a new contract by the Catalan club.
Kounde has made 124 appearances across all competitions since he joined Barcelona from Sevilla in the summer of 2022.
Chelsea appeared to be on the verge of signing the Frenchman before he completed a €50m (£42m) move to Barcelona.
Kounde was signed as a central defender, but he has also been utilised as a right-back during his time with the Blaugrana.
In fact, he has been used as a right-sided defender throughout Hansi Flick's first season as Barcelona manager, chipping in with three goals and seven assists in 36 competitive appearances.
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Chelsea line up £83m Kounde bid
While he is a regular fixture in the Barcelona side, Chelsea are weighing up whether to test Barcelona's resolve ahead of the 2025-26 season.
According to Sport, Chelsea could submit a €100m (£83m) bid for the Barcelona defender in the summer transfer window.
The report suggests that the Blues remain interested in the France international after considering a potential move last season.
However, Chelsea are set to face disappointment if they decide to formalise their interest, with Barcelona unwilling to entertain offers for Kounde.
The Blaugrana are now under La Liga's 1:1 rule, meaning they do not have to sell players purely for financial reasons.
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Barcelona preparing new Kounde contract
They have made an effort to complete several contract extensions since the turn of the year.
The midfield duo of Gavi and Pedri have both signed deals until the summer of 2030, while Ronald Araujo and Gerard Martin have also put pen to paper on new contracts.
Barcelona also announced on Thursday that 18-year-old defender Pau Cubarsi had become the latest player to sign a contract extension, with the youngster penning a new deal until June 2029.
The Catalan giants are now looking to secure the long-term future of Kounde, whose current contract runs until the end of the 2026-27 season.
Sport claims that Barcelona are preparing to offer Kounde a new contract to extend his stay with the club until the summer of 2030.
Barcelona have pleased with the player's performances, while Kounde is 'happy' at the club and is seemingly keen to sign a renewal.
The Blaugrana will look to agree a new contract with the former Sevilla man, before they turn their focus to extending Raphinha's contract until 2029.
