France defender Kounde to sign five-year Barca deal - reports

An agreement between Chelsea and Sevilla appeared to be close last weekend, but Spanish media underlined the key role played by Barca coach Xavi Hernandez in the impending arrival of Kounde.

The 23-year-old is recovering from groin surgery following an operation last month but is expected to be available for the start of the new season.

Kounde joined Sevilla in 2019 from Bordeaux. He won the Europa League in his first season in Spain, and has played 11 times for France.