Report: Chelsea identify Champions League player as main defensive target, tried to sign him in 2022 | OneFootball

Report: Chelsea identify Champions League player as main defensive target, tried to sign him in 2022 | OneFootball

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·29 March 2025

Report: Chelsea identify Champions League player as main defensive target, tried to sign him in 2022

Article image:Report: Chelsea identify Champions League player as main defensive target, tried to sign him in 2022

Chelsea’s main target is Jules Kounde as they look to sign a defender who can play at both centre back and full back according to reports.

The Blues are once again set to have a busy summer, and it’s believed they will look to sell seven or eight players in order to fund their moves in the market.


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The upcoming window is arguably the most important under the Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital ownership, with Chelsea looking to sign a striker, centre back and right footed attacker.

Chelsea earmark Kounde as main target

There’s set to be a lot of movement at centre back this summer, with Axel Disasi set to leave, whilst it’s likely Trevoh Chalobah could also follow him out the door.

The Blues have been linked with Dean Huijsen, although it’s believed they are now out of the race for the Spain international, with Marc Guehi said to be their main priority.

Article image:Report: Chelsea identify Champions League player as main defensive target, tried to sign him in 2022

Kounde has yet to agree a new deal with his current contract expiring in 2027. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

However, Spanish outlet Sport have claimed Chelsea have identified Kounde as their main target, with the Blues coming close to signing the France international under Thomas Tuchel in 2022.

Sport add that Kounde, who is out of contract in 2027 has yet to reach an agreement on a new deal, although he’s said to be happy at Barcelona.

The report states Chelsea’s other main target is Bournemouth’s Huijsen, and the Blues will make a big bid for a centre back this summer.

Kounde, who has previously been linked with Chelsea, has established himself as a key player for Hansi Flick, with Barcelona top of La Liga and in the Champions League quarter finals.

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The 26-year-old has made 44 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals and providing eight assists from right back.

Kounde is the calibre of player who would instantly improve Chelsea’s defence, whilst he would play at centre back at Stamford Bridge given the Blues have Reece James and Malo Gusto competing for the right back position.

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