Chelsea renew interest in Barcelona defender struggling for minutes ahead of January transfer window

Chelsea renew interest in Barcelona defender struggling for minutes ahead of January transfer window Chelsea have renewed their interest in Barcelona defender Jules Kounde, with the Premier League club considering whether to make a move for the Frenchman during the January transfer window. According to Mundo Deportivo , Kounde has returned to Chelsea’s radar after seeing his role at Barcelona become less prominent this season.  The outlet mentions that the 27-year-old remains a highly regarded defender in Europe, despite a notable reduction in his minutes for both club and country. Chelsea have not forgotten Kounde It must be noted that Kounde has started just two of Barcelona’s eight official matches this season, spending the other six on the bench.  His unusual situation has naturally attracted attention from clubs looking for an experienced right-back capable of operating at the highest level. Kounde’s game time has reduced considerably this season. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images) On that note, Chelsea are familiar with the player, as the London club pushed strongly to sign Kounde in 2022 before Barcelona eventually secured his transfer from Sevilla. That interest has never completely disappeared, and Kounde has continued to be linked with several leading Premier League sides.  Notably, Bayern Munich have also been mentioned among the clubs monitoring his situation, but it is Chelsea who appears to have the strongest interest. Under new manager Xabi Alonso, Chelsea could now revisit the possibility of bringing the French international to Stamford Bridge, with a January approach possible. Kounde’s France situation adds to uncertainty Kounde’s reduced role has not been limited to Barcelona, as his position with France has also become less secure following the arrival of Zinedine Zidane as national-team coach. Chelsea have renewed their interest in Jules Kounde. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) The defender started France’s opening international fixture of the break against Turkey, a 1-0 victory, but remained on the bench for the subsequent matches against Belgium and Italy. Notably, Pierre Kalulu has been preferred at right-back in two of Zidane’s first three games in charge.  Chelsea’s renewed interest comes at a time when Kounde’s standing at Barcelona is being tested by increased competition and rotation. For now, the defender remains a Barcelona player and has not indicated that he wants to leave, although if his reduced role continues, interest from Chelsea could turn into a serious transfer conversation.