Barcelona see off Chelsea to seal Kounde deal

Barcelona have won the race to sign Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde ahead of Chelsea.

Kounde, 23, will complete his switch to the Camp Nou as long as he comes through a medical without any issues. 

The Frenchman joins Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Franck Kessie in what has been a remarkable summer of transfer activity for the Catalan giants.

Barca boss Xavi looks set to start Kounde alongside Danish defender Andreas Christensen, who joined the Blaugrana when his contract at Stamford Bridge expired at the end of last term.

The delighted star said: "I am very proud and very thankful for this opportunity. I am very excited because I am arriving at a great club.

"I am really looking forward to start playing with the team, getting to know my team-mates and give it my best effort.

"Sevilla are a great club but I think Barca are the next step in my career. I want to compete in every competition and to try win as much as possible in terms of trophies.

"Xavi is a big reason as to why I'm here. His spiel convinced me, I'm excited to start working with the team."

Kounde won plenty of admirers with his performances after moving to Andalucia from Bordeaux in 2019.

He also brings a wealth of top-flight experience having established himself as a first-team regular as a teenager, making 133 appearances for the Rojiblancos and winning the Europa League in 2020.

Kounde's new employers are eager to improve on last season's efforts, which saw them finish 13 points behind LaLiga champions Real Madrid and fail to advance from the Champions League group stage.

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel must now continue his search for reinforcements.

Senegal centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly and England forward Raheem Sterling have already arrived in West London.

But the German believes further additions are required if the Blues are to challenge Manchester City and Liverpool for the Premier League title.