Chelsea fans will remember how close the club came to signing Jules Kounde in 2022.
The Frenchman was within touching distance of leaving Sevilla and moving to Stamford Bridge before Barcelona scuppered the deal.
And although many fans would've expected that to be the end of the saga, according to recent reports, the Blues have reignited their interest in the now-27 year old following uncertainty at the Nou Camp.
Chelsea back in the hunt for Jules Kounde
Kounde has been a mainstay in Barcelona's first team since he joined four years ago, but this season has seen the Frenchman fall out of favour.
The former Sevilla right-back has started just two of Barcelona's matches this season, spending the other six fixtures on the bench.
Seemingly not part of Hansi Flick's preferred XI, Kounde finds himself in a relatively unfamiliar position. And according to Mundo Deportivo, the current situation has seen Chelsea revive their past interest.
The right-back's lack of playing time in Catalonia has also seen him slip down Zinezine Zidane's pecking order at international level.
The France international, who has been capped 57 times for Les Bleus, was selected for his country's recent game against Turkey but was demoted to the bench for their subsequent ties against Belgium and Italy.
With Zidane clearly favouring Pierre Kalulu over Barcelona's number 23, it seems a mid-season transfer may be needed if he is to rediscover his best form and get back into contention on the international stage.
Kounde's contract at Barcelona is a major hurdle
The biggest obstacle facing Chelsea in their renewed pursuit of Kounde will be the length of time the defender has left on his contract at Barcelona.
Having only signed a contract extension last year, the 27-year-old is tied to the Nou Camp until 2030. This not only means that Barcelona are in total control of the right-back's future, they're able to demand a significant sum for any side wanting to sign him permanently.
It is for this reason that Blues' fans will be expecting the club to make a loan offer once the January transfer window opens.
A loan — short or long — could serve as the perfect solution for all parties: Kounde needs the minutes, Chelsea need cover on the right and Barcelona can temporarily offload a player who has barely featured so far this season.
Since joining Barcelona in 2022, Kounde, who earns over £250,000-per week, has featured in 193 matches in all competitions, lifting seven major trophies along the way, including three La Liga titles.
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