Barcelona president Joan Laporta has suggested that Sevilla defender Jules Kounde may sign for Chelsea.
In recent weeks, the Catalan giants and the Blues have locked horns over the signature of the France international as they bid to strengthen their respective backlines.
There have been contrasting reports over which club hold the advantage, the suggestion being that the 23-year-old is open to a transfer to either team.
Earlier this week, it was claimed that Chelsea have effectively agreed financial terms with Sevilla, the Premier League outfit potentially paying in the region of £55m if they win the race for Kounde's signature.
The player is also said to be happy with the personal terms on offer at Stamford Bridge, but Barcelona remain an active part in the chase for his services.
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The La Liga side have allegedly asked Kounde that he put off making a concrete decision on his future for a number of days as they prepare to make an official bid themselves.
Furthermore, Kounde performed a U-turn on Thursday, linking up with Sevilla's travelling group for their next friendly when it appears that he had been left out of the squad.
While the situation is likely to be resolved in days rather than weeks, Laporta has claimed that Kounde is more likely to move to West London.
In a video via Relevo, Laporta appears to say: "Kounde? No, he will sign for #Chelsea."
Barcelona president Joan Laporta:
— Absolute Chelsea (@AbsoluteChelsea) July 21, 2022
"[Jules] Kounde? No, he will sign for #Chelsea."
[via @relevo]pic.twitter.com/HH8Pajyu0s
However, Spanish journalist Gerard Romero says that a number of Barcelona sources have claimed that Laporta was "being ironic".
A report earlier this week claimed that Sevilla's preference was to sell to Chelsea with the English side having been more forthcoming with a formal proposal.
Nevertheless, much will depend on whether Barcelona act in the short term, Laporta known to be keen to sign at least one world-class defender to complement the recent attacking additions.
Kounde has two years remaining on his contract with Sevilla and has little interest in extending those terms this summer.
Darren Plant
