Xabi Alonso requests for Chelsea: Barcelona’s top defender in January

Xabi Alonso requests for Chelsea: Barcelona’s top defender in January In a major development, The Touchline exclusively reports that Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has requested the signing of Barcelona defender Jules Kounde in the upcoming January transfer window. The French international has dropped down the pecking order at the Spotify Camp Nou this season, leading to speculations over his future, and the Premier League heavyweights are now weighing up a move. Chelsea long-term admirers of Kounde This is not the first time that Chelsea have shown an interest in signing Kounde. The Blues were very much keen on securing his services back in 2022 and were in a battle with Barcelona, with the 27-year-old eventually choosing the latter. Since then, Chelsea have continued to keep tabs on Kounde and rumours of an interest have never really gone away. Xabi Alonso wants Kounde at Chelsea. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images) Now, according to the report, the Londoners’ manager, Xabi Alonso, is said to be very intent on bolstering his defensive options in the winter transfer window, with the signing of a new centre-back. And, Kounde has emerged as a priority target for the former Real Madrid manager. The belief is that the 27-year-old ace would fit in seamlessly in the three-man defensive line that Alonso uses, slotting in as the right-sided centre-back, thanks to his experience of playing both as a full-back and a central defender. Barcelona open to offers for Kounde Meanwhile, as has already been reported previously and now confirmed by The Touchline, Barcelona would be open to offers for Kounde in the upcoming transfer window. Barcelona open to Kounde sale. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) The Blaugrana are scouring the market for a new centre-back and any new signing would require a major departure, with the French international emerging as a candidate to be sold. However, the hurdle will be to convince Kounde to agree to leave the club. The 27-year-old defender has always maintained that he wishes to stay put at Barça and fight for his place despite his current situation. The versatile star, who is currently recovering from an ankle injury and is unavailable for tonight’s clash against Deportivo Alaves, has a contract with the Catalans until 2030. It remains to be seen whether the continued interest from Chelsea, coupled with his lack of starting role at Barcelona, convinces Kounde to consider an exit in January.