Barcelona are reportedly ready to offer Jules Kounde a major salary boost in order to tie the Frenchman down at the Nou Camp.
The Blaugrana have grown uncertain of Kounde’s long-term future, with Chelsea among those apparently keeping tabs on the defender.
The Blues have long held an interest in Kounde since his time at Sevilla, but were pipped in the race for his services by Barcelona in the summer of 2022.
They are now reportedly keen to give Barca a taste of their own medicine this summer by snatching their prized defender from their grasp as Enzo Maresca’s side continue their extensive rebuild.
But after wrapping up a host of contract extensions at the start of 2025, reports in Spain claim Barcelona are now looking to do the same with Kounde to block Chelsea’s advances.
According to Diario Sport, Kounde is viewed as a vital player by Hansi Flick and he wants a resolution surrounding his future sorted quickly.
Barcelona are ready to offer Jules Kounde a major pay bump to keep him at the Nou Camp
The Blaugrana want to fend off interest from Chelsea, who they beat off to sign Kounde in 2022
Chelsea may look to find a long-term replacement for injury-plagued club captain Reece James
The France international is currently under contract in Catalonia until 2027 but the intention is to extend that bond until 2030 by offering him a hefty wage increase.
This comes as a blow to Chelsea, who see Kounde as a top target this summer as they look for stability at right-back.
Club captain Reece James has been plagued by injury woes for the past two years and Chelsea may choose to call time of death on ever getting the former England international back as a regular starter, instead replacing him with a world-class talent.
Chelsea are rumoured to be willing to offer around £83m for Kounde, which could be considered by Barcelona as they continue to watch their finances.
That said, the financial situation at the Nou Camp is slowly improving – and with Flick seeing Kounde as indispensable, he will push for the club to put finances towards safeguarding the Frenchman.
If push comes to shove, Flick will also insist upon the club selling other high earners to balance the books, with the likes of Ansu Fati preparing to leave.
Kounde has been a pillar of Barcelona’s setup this season, starting 21 of their 23 league games so far in the 2024/25 campaign as the Blaugrana push to win back the LaLiga title.
