Fabrizio Romano’s worrying update on Chelsea’s Jules Kounde pursuit

Before the practice match – or should I say ‘distinguished Florida Cup Final?’ – between Chelsea and Arsenal is contested on Saturday evening, Pride of London have some rather unnerving news to inform Blues fans of. Unfortunately it appears that Barcelona’s attempts to hijack yet another CFC transfer target are to be successful again. But let’s briefly discuss the so-called friendly outing first of all. Mikel Arteta is certainly developing a decent, top four-looking squad at Emirates. Credit when credit is due: some of the Gunners’ signings are very good. And retaining their best stars will go along way to realising their Champions League wish.

However, I still see AFC as slightly behind Thomas Tuchel’s setup. The Stamford Bridge outfit are partially superior in pretty much every department. I can only think of one or two areas or players that are even comparable. Examples would be Kieran Tierney/Ben Chilwell, and Bukayo Saka against whoever Chels have on the leftwing. Elsewhere the Blues are stronger as I see it. Yet that margin is fine. Therefore the game in America has added significance with respect to gauging the teams’ differences.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano makes claim about Chelsea, Barcelona and target Jules Kounde which will worry Blues supporters

Now we have previewed the last USA Tour fixture, we can switch to the transfer speculation. As always, because this information comes from the reliable Fabrizio Romano, we can pretty much label it ‘news’. Don’t shoot the messenger, though it seems Jules Kounde of Sevilla is going to move to Barcelona.

The centreback has been a priority for Tuchel this summer; a saga which is as presumably draining for the head coach as it is for us covering the Blues. Although reports are now swaying towards joining the Spanish superclub.

To be honest, if Chels’ were the defender’s first choice I think we would have witnessed a confirmation announcement from Fulham Road by this time. I am not saying I predicted another deal takeover by Barca, but something feels awful surreal and de ja vu-ish about every man wanted by CFC of late. Groundhog Day, indeed.

Other elements of the developing seizure are all too familiar, such as the smug responses from FCB’s executives and off the field leaders. Not to mention signals like the one featured on Romano’s tweet above this paragraph possibly pointing to the allure of the iconic side in Spain. Yet the battle for Kounde’s signature continues.

In another, widely circulated social media post, the Italian journalist detailed the latest from his sources concerning the Frenchman. Barca are ‘preparing an official bid to try and hijack the deal’; it is not the initial occasion the Blues faithful have heard that one.

Meanwhile, Sevillistas Rojiblancos (Red-Whites) deny any agreement with their La Liga competitors, according to Romano. As Chelsea have been made to wait for club or player’s ‘green light’ since Thursday, I do not think we will see the 23-year-old in a Chels shirt next season.

Other updates claim Kounde has rejected the English outfit. Gerard Romero says the arrival at Camp Nou is a foregone conclusion. The only hope remains outbidding the apparently financially stricken transfer rivals. Tuchel better get talking to his old mate Presnel Kimpembe!