Transfer Gossip: Chelsea hit by triple-pronged Jules Kounde setback; Man Utd, Arsenal target’s price tag hits £100m

Chelsea’s efforts to sign Jules Kounde have been severely hampered by a number of issues, while Christopher Nkunku’s price tag has been set at £100m and Man City are going after a midfielder, all in Tuesday’s gossip.

Chelsea’s hopes of landing Jules Kounde have taken a battering.

The centre-back, who was a target for the Blues last summer, was subbed off at half-time in France’s defeat to Croatia on Monday.

Kounde, who lined up a right-back, had to be withdrawn due to injury. And it turns out the defender has been struggling with an injury problem for several months.

But the player will now undergo surgery.

“I knew very well his physical condition today,” said Didier Deschamps when asked about Kounde.

“Tomorrow [Tuesday] he will have a [surgical] intervention because he has a problem that has been going on for several months.”

That surgery may well postpone Chelsea’s move for the defender, whom they bid for twice last summer.

And to make matters worse Barcelona are also looking at the player for next season.

Xavi Hernandez has reportedly met with Gerard Pique and told the centre-back that he will not be his first choice next season.

A report by Diario Sport claims Xavi sees Sevilla’s Kounde as the man to come and partner Ronald Araujo.

Meanwhile, Rudy Galetti claims Chelsea have been joined in the race for Kounde by German giants Bayern Munich.

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