Chelsea remain actively interested in long-term target Jules Kounde, per TBR Football.
The Blues are aiming to bolster their defense in 2025, potentially adding both a central defender and a right-back depending on Reece James’ future at the club. Kounde, who fits both profiles, was close to signing for Chelsea in 2022 before Barcelona secured his signature from Sevilla.
While Kounde has often been deployed as a right-back at Barcelona, his natural position is in central defense, which Chelsea still view as his ideal role.
In addition to Kounde, Chelsea are closely monitoring Ronald Araujo, whose contract with Barcelona runs until 2026. Despite ongoing negotiations for an extension, Barcelona may sell the Uruguayan defender in 2025 if no agreement is reached.
Chelsea are evaluating multiple defensive options ahead of the summer 2025 window, and signing both Kounde and Araujo would represent a significant coup for the Premier League side.
