Chelsea plot transfer retaliation on Barcelona as Alex Balde targeted in wake of Jules Kounde stance

Chelsea could enact revenge on Barcelona for their pursuit of Jules Kounde as a report claims they hold an interest in young left-back Alex Balde.

According to sources in Spain, Barcelona have entered the race to sign Kounde from Sevilla. And things are moving quickly, with Catalunya Radio claiming Xavi’s side have struck a deal with Sevilla for the centre-back.

Barcelona are willing to pay £51.6million to sign the Frenchman, while also offering a player in exchange. And this is seemingly enough for Sevilla to sell, even to a La Liga rival.

The news puts Chelsea at a huge disadvantage in the race for Kounde’s signature. They view him as a perfect replacement for either Antonio Rudiger or Andreas Christensen, but will now have to move incredibly quickly to get him to Stamford Bridge.

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Chelsea and Barcelona seem intertwined this summer, not just in the case of Kounde.

Christensen will join the Spanish giants when his Chelsea contract expires, while Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta are both being targeted by Barcelona officials.

Alonso is open about his desire to go back to Spain. Should