Sevilla sporting director Monchi outlines details of Jules Kounde saga

Sevilla director Monchi has confirmed reports that Chelsea had been on course to beat Barcelona to the signing of Jules Kounde last week.

The Premier League giants have been pushing to add at least one more centre-back to their squad ahead of the new campaign, with Kounde known to be a long-term target.

However, despite reports emerging last Friday that the Blues were on the brink of finalising a deal, the 23-year-old has instead decided to sign for Barcelona.

With the Catalan outfit having confirmed that they have an agreement in place with their La Liga rivals, Monchi has been quizzed on the events of the past week.

At a time when it is claimed that Chelsea are said to have delayed a completion of a transfer, Monchi says that Barcelona president Joan Laporta only made contact as recently as Monday.

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Speaking to SFC Radio, Monchi said: "Last Thursday we had an agreement with Chelsea and the player. When everything was closed and there was a good offer, everything stopped. And that's where Barcelona appeared.

"The first time he contacted was last Monday, with Mateu [Alemany]. Barca made an effort and closed itself. Kounde was agreed to sell to Chelsea, there was an agreement with the player.

"At the club, they hesitated and said they wanted to wait. That wait was delayed and Barcelona appeared. It's true that Chelsea then wanted to come back, but Barca's offer in the end was better."

Kounde will become Barcelona's fifth major signing of the summer, joining Andreas Christensen, Franck Kessie, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski.

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Meanwhile, Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel has been left to target alternatives with the new Premier League campaign due to begin on August 5.

If reports are to be believed, the West Londoners will attempt to sign Leicester City's Wesley Fofana, despite his alleged valuation being in excess of £70m.

From Sevilla's perspective, they have now parted ways with each of their first-choice centre-backs, Kounde's departure following that of Diego Carlos to Aston Villa.

While Marcao has already been signed from Galatasaray, the Spanish outfit will now attempt to bring in another fresh face for the middle of their backline.