Chelsea in contact with €60m-rated Barcelona hero’s agent; Liverpool, Man City also keen | OneFootball

Jules Kounde firmly etched his name in the FC Barcelona folklore last night when he came up with an extra-time match-winner to help his team beat Real Madrid and win the Copa del Rey.

The 26-year-old French international has been a permanent fixture in the team this season under Hansi Flick, firmly establishing himself as one of the top right-backs in Europe despite it not being his natural position.

Given his importance in the team and his overall contributions, Barcelona are eager to tie Kounde down to a new contract.

At the same time, though, the former Sevilla defender continues to attract a spade of interest, especially from the Premier League.

Chelsea ‘in love’ with Kounde

Indeed, according to Graeme Bailey, Chelsea are still in love with Kounde and want to sign him from Barcelona in the summer.

A wanted man in the Premier League. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

In fact, the Blues are said to be in constant contact with the 26-year-old’s agents despite having been rejected by the player back in 2022 when he chose Camp Nou over Stamford Bridge.

Kounde’s current contract with Barça runs until 2027 and the Catalans have held talks with his camp over an extension. However, should negotiations not progress as planned, the report states that an exit could become a possibility.

Chelsea, thus, are keeping themselves informed about the situation through Kounde’s representatives, with manager Enzo Maresca keen on adding the Barcelona star to his ranks.

At the same time, the report adds that soon-to-be-confirmed Premier League champions Liverpool and outgoing title holders Manchester City are also keeping an eye on the situation.

Arsenal, another club who have been long-time admirers of Kounde, also remain in the race for his signing should an exit become a possibility.

*Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication.