Xavi wants Barcelona to challenge Chelsea for Sevilla defender Jules Kounde

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·6 February 2022

Xavi wants Barcelona to challenge Chelsea for Sevilla defender Jules Kounde

Chelsea face new competition for Sevilla defender Jules Kounde this summer.

The Blues famously failed with a deal for the France defender on deadline day last summer, with Kounde left in Paris hoping for an agreement between the two clubs.

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Kounde was a specific request of Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel, who had been following him since his days with Bordeaux.

Tuchel wants Chelsea to try again this summer, but it's now emerged they won't get a clear run at the France international.

Sport says Barcelona coach Xavi has requested a new centre-half signing himself and wants Kounde as a priority transfer target. Indeed, Xavi actually requested Kounde's signing during his opening interview with the club.

For their part, Sevilla are insisting the defender will only leave for his buyout clause - €80m.