Jules Kounde informs Barcelona of Chelsea transfer decision | OneFootball

Barcelona aren't expected to have issues securing a new long-term contract for key defender Jules Kounde, despite rumoured transfer interest from Chelsea.

Chelsea are in the market for defensive reinforcement ahead of next season, with Benoit Badiashile and Tosin Adarabioyo not cut out to be starters at the very highest level. The Blues have also had ongoing right-back issues, with Reece James even operating in midfield in recent weeks.

Kounde's versatility to play both centrally – where he starred for former club Sevilla – and on the right has made him an attractive option to target.

But Marca has reported that the France international has so far encouraged Barcelona officials in early attempts to gauge his willingness to extend his contract beyond its current expiry in 2027.

Kounde "wants to stay" and has "no intention of leaving" Barcelona. The 26-year-old is yet to miss a game in any competition so far this season and has started the majority of his 45 appearances.

He is said to "feel important" for Hansi Flick and is seen as a "great fit" in the dressing room. That all motivates Kounde to want to sign a new contract, for which early talks with Deco and the sporting department are considered to have been positive.

Kounde's situation feels very different to that of vice-captain Ronald Araujo. The Uruguay international only recently signed a new Barcelona contract, but he has struggled to command a regular place since recovering from long-term injury and an affordable release clause makes a summer exit extremely plausible should a club be willing to trigger the €65m fee.

Chelsea haven't really been linked with Araujo, although it feels like it could become a suitable option should they consider him a good fit and of sufficient quality to match their ambitions.