Barcelona are optimistic that they will complete the signing of Sevilla‘s Jules Kounde this summer, and they believe they will do so sooner rather than later.
The Blaugrana, though, are adamant that Kounde‘s signing will not be their last of the summer transfer window, even despite their financial complications.
Barcelona‘s belief that they need to sign full-backs has not changed. Xavi Hernandez has been desperate to add depth there, and as of yet they haven’t. At the moment, Jordi Alba has no competition and they see right-back as a point of weakness.
That has led them to develop serious interest in Chelsea duo Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta.
Azpilicueta would add versatility as he can play at full-back, but also as a centre-back if needed. Alonso, meanwhile, has a more specific role.
Barcelona’s relationship with Chelsea
There have been signs that Chelsea have grown sick of Barcelona. Thomas Tuchel‘s recent comments would suggest as much, and not only for their swooping to sign Kounde.
The Blues were also thought to be unhappy that the Catalans landed Andreas Christensen on a free transfer and then looked to sign Azpilicueta by the same method.
But Barcelona insist that they are on good terms with Chelsea, and sources at the Camp Nou say that they have good, fluid communication with the Premier League side.
Should Barcelona sign Azpilicueta and Alonso, they’ll consider their summer business to be done. If they don’t come in, though, alternative options at full-back will be sought.
Marca
