Barcelona head coach Xavi has played down suggestions that Jules Kounde could leave the Catalan giants during this summer's transfer window.
The 24-year-old made the move to Camp Nou from Sevilla last July, and he has been a vital player for the La Liga champions this season, featuring on 38 occasions, scoring once and providing six assists in the process.
Kounde has won the Spanish Super Cup and La Liga title during his first campaign at the club, but there is currently speculation surrounding his future at Camp Nou.
According to SPORT, the France international is keen to leave Barcelona this summer as he is unhappy with his current position in the team.
Kounde has largely featured as a right-back during the 2022-23 campaign, with Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen proving to be head coach Xavi's preferred centre-back partnership.
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The Frenchman allegedly 'does not feel comfortable at right-back' and wants to move to a team where he would be guaranteed a position in the middle of the defence.
Chelsea were heavily linked with his services last summer, and the Blues are believed to be keeping a close eye on the developments.
Meanwhile, Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal are also said to be monitoring the situation, but Xavi played down suggestions that Kounde could leave on Tuesday night.
Speaking after Barcelona's 3-1 loss to Real Valladolid in La Liga, the head coach said: "When I spoke with Kounde, we knew where the conversation was going and we both left happy.
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"I spoke with Kounde. I was very clear with him, and he knows that the media are making a lot of noise. There's no problem."
Kounde still has another four years left on his contract at Camp Nou, but Barcelona are under pressure to make some big sales this summer due to their financial problems.
Sergio Busquets's departure at the end of next month has already been confirmed, while Jordi Alba is also widely expected to leave this summer despite having another 12 months left to run on his deal.
Barcelona will have to continue to make room in their budget in order to stand a chance of re-signing Lionel Messi, with the Argentina international expected to leave Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer this summer.
Since being confirmed as La Liga champions with a 4-2 win over Espanyol, Xavi's side have lost against Real Sociedad and Real Valladolid in the league, and they are now preparing to finish their season against Mallorca (H) and Celta Vigo (A) on May 28 and June 4 respectively.
Matt Law
