While Jules Kounde chills out in Portugal as seen with his most recent Instagram story post, both Chelsea and Barcelona are working tirelessly on the transfer front to satisfy both Thomas Tuchel and Xavi respectively.
Kounde's decision to join up with Sevilla in Lagos had signalled a shift in power from Chelsea to Barcelona and despite no deal being imminent currently as referenced by the 23-year-old being in training on Monday after the Sporting Lisbon pre-season game miss, things are happening behind the scene as operation Raphinha 2.0 closes to completion.
football.london understands that Chelsea have done everything in their powers to try and seal a deal for Sevilla's number 23 including reaching a £55million verbal agreement plus personal terms, which were done a while ago. However, as Fabrizio Romano confirmed in a recent Que Golazo podcast recording, Barcelona have taken significant steps, as confirmed by multiple Spanish outlets like El Desmarque and Relevo, with Chelsea fuming at how the whole affair has unfolded and consequently, pulling out of the deal in its entirety if the latest rumours are to be believed.
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"What I can also confirm is that Chelsea are not happy with the situation," he informed. "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."
With multiple hints being dropped in the form of a shirt leak and house hunting plans that are in the works, the Blues are understandably tired of the whole situation and are said to be in the process of identifying alternatives with defeat looking likely.
One of his former clubs Bordeaux, like Chelsea, are also unhappy with the way things are going. The Ligue 1 regulars would reportedly prefer the Blues bid to be accepted over Barca's due to their sell-on clause for the French star.
Joan Laporta and the rest of the Barca board are expected to formulate a bid that will reach near £55million, but will be largely add-ons based which will annoy Bordeaux.
They have a 20% sell-on clause on any Kounde deal meaning they will and are set to receive less money if their former defender was to opt for the Camp Nou over Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea fans- Have you given up full hope and Jules Kounde and who would be a suitable transfer alternative to the Sevilla star in your view? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!
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