By the end of this summer's transfer window, all at Chelsea will be sick to hear the name of Barcelona with how things are unfolding in the transfer market. First off it was Raphinha, and despite the Blues having a bid accepted, Barca were able to lean on the player's preference to convince Leeds to sell and ensure he would snub Chelsea.
Then came Ousmane Dembele, who was expected to move to Stamford Bridge this summer if Raphinha moved to Spain. However, Barcelona were able to convince the French star to take a salary reduction to stay at Camp Nou and play a part in Xavi's project for the club.
Now, Jules Kounde is the third player who is set to snub Chelsea in favour of Barcelona, despite the player being open to both moves. football.london understands that the Blues have done everything on their side to conclude this deal including reaching an agreement verbally on a £55million deal with Sevilla. Personal terms had also been done some time ago but the will of the player and lack of 'green light' has seen this deal stall to date.
READ MORE: Chelsea can complete £339m Barcelona raid to plot revenge on Kounde and Raphinha transfer misery
"What I can also confirm is that Chelsea are not happy with the situation," Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano confirmed on the Que Golazo podcast on Monday. "They are getting tired waiting because they have been waiting since last Wednesday or Tuesday to receive a green light from Kounde and Sevilla on £55million bid and a five year deal offered to Jules Kounde.
"And still, no green light for Kounde, so if Chelsea do not get green light today or tomorrow, they will be prepared to leave the deal and focus on other centre-backs.
"They are already exploring some potential alternatives, so they are not in advanced talks with any other players yet as they are still focussed on Kounde and they are getting tired.
"This Kounde saga is moving towards its end, so soon we will know for certain where he plays and Barcelona are now leading the race."
As well as a Kounde kit appearing on their official shop to signal at how close they could be to defeating Chelsea for the third time, higher-ups at Barca have gone out of their way to ensure the player in question is to get his dream move.
In addition to also having all social media activity prepared for the announcement of the Sevilla star, journalist Gerard Romero has also reported that Kounde's camp will be in the city on Tuesday to do some house hunting ahead of his move becoming official.
Chelsea fans- If you could only sign one of these Jules Kounde transfer alternatives, who would you pick and why- Milan Skriniar or Presnel Kimpembe? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below
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