KEY POINTS

  • Jules Kounde spent three seasons at Sevilla from 2019 to 2022
  • Sevilla have labeled Kounde with an asking price of $60 million
  • Chelsea and Barcelona are in the race to sign the defender

Sevilla defender Jules Kounde has reportedly begun to look for a house in London amid his transfer links with Chelsea.

Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku has moved to Inter Milan on loan and Kounde is considering moving into the former's vacant house in London, reported Goal. However, International Business Times could not verify the information independently.

Kounde moved from Bordeaux to Sevilla in 2019 and made 133 competitive appearances for the La Liga side in three seasons. However, the French center-back has informed Sevilla he wants to look for a new challenge. A number of clubs, including Chelsea and FC Barcelona, are interested in acquiring the talented player.

Sevilla have left Kounde out of the squad for their upcoming pre-season games and it is confirmed that the Spanish side is in talks with other clubs to sell the 23-year-old defender, according to Fabrizio Romano, who has a credible record in the European transfer market.

While Chelsea have agreed to match Sevilla's asking price of $60 million, Barcelona have made a late bid to steal the player. The Catalans' proposed offer is around $66 million, including add-ons, according to Spanish media outlet Fichajes. Barcelona are seeing Kounde as a long-term replacement for Gerard Pique, who is into the twilight years of his career.

Despite being in a massive financial crisis, Barcelona recently signed Leeds United's forward Raphinha and Bayern Munich legend Robert Lewandowski. It has been reported that Xavi Hernandez has now made Kounde his top priority before the 2022 summer window ends.

Sergio Oliveira of Portugal battles for possession with Jules Kounde of France
Sergio Oliveira of Portugal battles for possession with Jules Kounde of France Getty Images | Alex Livesey - UEFA/UEFA

At such a young age, Kounde has established himself as one of the best defenders in La Liga. The former Bordeaux defender has become a regular member of the French national team, and will definitely be included in the squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar.

Barcelona's next pre-season fixture is against arch-rivals Real Madrid in Las Vegas on Sunday. Earlier this week, the Catalans thrashed Inter Miami 6-0 in Florida.

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