Barcelona are reportedly set to beat Chelsea in the race to sign Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde.
The 23-year-old is set to seek pastures new this summer, with the club's general manager Jose Maria Cruz de Andres revealing last week that the defender is keen to play at a higher level.
Now that Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen have left Stamford Bridge, Chelsea are set to recruit at least one new central defender this summer, with Kounde believed to be their primary targets.
However, Catalunya Radio claims that Barcelona have moved ahead of Chelsea in the race for Kounde's signature as they are currently in advanced talks over a proposed move to Camp Nou this summer.
The report adds that Barca have 'agreed a deal in principle' with Sevilla, which would see them pay a figure between €55m and €60m and include a player as part of the deal.
Barca are allegedly hoping to include USA right-back Sergino Dest as part of the deal, while Francisco Trincao and former Sevilla man Clement Lenglet are potential alternatives.
Kounde, who has two years remaining on his contract at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium, has made 133 appearances for Sevilla across all competitions since joining the club from Bordeaux in 2019.
Oliver Thomas
