Jules Kounde nears Barcelona transfer but Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta talks blocked by Chelsea – reports

With Jules Kounde reportedly nearing a transfer to Barcelona, Chelsea are said to have blocked negotiations with the Catalan club over moves for Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta. The two clubs have crossed paths in the summer transfer window on several occasions, with Barca landing Raphinha amid interest from Chelsea, while Andreas Christensen swapped Stamford Bridge for Camp Nou after running down his contract. Ad/> Chelsea and Barca have been vying for the signature of Sevilla centre-back Kounde, and though the Blues were seemingly close to signing the Frenchman, it has since emerged that the Spanish club are favourites.

TransfersChelsea pip Barca to Kounde signing by sending duo to Camp Nou – Paper Round19/07/2022 AT 22:14 Kounde is said to prefer a move to Barca, who are working on a final bid. According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are “tired of waiting for the green light”, with the Premier League club exploring other options – including PSG’s Presnel Kimpembe. Barca’s bid to sign Kounde has led to increased tensions between the club and Chelsea, Sport in Spain reports.

Chelsea are growing “angry” that their reinforcement plans are being impacted by Barca, and have no interest in opening talks over Alonso or Azpilicueta moving to Spain. Transfer news LIVE Chelsea consider Kimpembe switch as Barcelona prepare Kounde offer — Paper Round /> Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel has already addressed Azpilicueta’s desire to leave, admitting to being a “little bit” annoyed by Barca’s pursuit of the club captain. «It's a tough question because I am not sure if I want to give Azpi what he wants,” Tuchel said.