Chelsea transfer blow as Barcelona join Jules Kounde race with Sevilla defender on long-list of defensive targets

CHELSEA may face competition from Barcelona in the race to sign Jules Kounde, according to reports in Spain.

Mundo Deportivo say Barca boss Xavi views the 23-year-old Sevilla star as a potential solution to his team's defensive shortages.

The article explains Xavi feels he needs a 'powerful central defender' to shore up his backline.

The Spaniard is looking for a centre-half with the same rugged attributes as current Barca star Ronald Araujo.

Barca also want to bring in free-agent Chelsea defenders Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta.

But neither have the 'physical profile' Xavi wants as cover for Araujo, according to Mundo.

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Sevilla have vowed to play hardball over Kounde’s £68million release clause – and that could be a problem for financially-hit Barca.

But Mundo's report explains the Catalans' good relationship with Sevilla may give them the edge in securing Kounde's services.

It says Kounde would be the 'icing on the cake for Xavi' and he is the 'signing in defense that the coach is most excited about'.

It adds the nine-cap France star would allow Xavi to create a 'powerful axis' with Araujo in Barca's defence for important games.

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The Blues need Kounde to help plug a gaping hole likely to be left in their defence by summer departures from Stamford Bridge.

Centre-backs Antonio Rudiger and Christensen have quit on free transfers, while skipper Azpilicueta is also keen to leave after a decade at the club.

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