Barcelona boss Xavi has broken his silence over a potential exit for Jules Kounde ahead of the summer transfer window. The defender was heavily linked with a move to Chelsea last year, but chose the Blaugrana as the Blues pulled out of the race to land him from Sevilla.
Almost one year on and the Frenchman now has a La Liga title to his name, having played mainly as a right-back with the newly crowned champions. However, he could still be heading for the exit door as Sport reports that the 24-year-old is open to leaving in the coming months.
The report also adds that Chelsea would be willing to U-turn on their decision not to pursue a move any further last summer by eyeing an offer this time around. That possibility may be made even more tangible by the fact that the Blaugrana are looking to raise funds yet again.
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Financial restrictions tied their hands over the past few windows but this summer the possibility to re-sign Lionel Messi as a free agent from PSG may further incentivise any sales. While that may be the case, Xavi has denied any claims of Kounde being unhappy at this stage.
He told the media: "I spoke with Koundé and I was clear with him. I know there are a lot of stories — but the player left the meeting happy and same for me. There are no problems. The conversation has been clear, no problem and no issues.”
Club director Mateu Alemany was coy on any discussions too, saying: "Koundé? We’re going to resolve internal situations internally."
With the summer transfer window fast approaching, there's still plenty of twists and turns to come and Kounde's saga with Chelsea may not be over just yet.
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