Chelsea could be preparing to make one of the biggest moves of the January transfer window, with Xabi Alonso reportedly identifying a player the Blues are familiar with as his number one defensive target.
Chelsea have been linked with Jules Kounde for several years, having come close to signing the Frenchman before he eventually joined Barcelona in 2022.
Now, with his situation at the Camp Nou becoming increasingly uncertain, Chelsea could finally get another opportunity to bring him to Stamford Bridge.
And according to one Spanish journalist, Alonso is determined to make it happen.
Xabi Alonso wants Barcelona's Jules Kounde in January
Spanish journalist Juan Jesus, via Team Talk, has claimed that Chelsea have made Kounde their 'absolute priority' for the January transfer window, with both Barcelona and the player already informed of the club's intentions.
Writing on X on October 30, Jesus said: "Chelsea has made Kounde their absolute priority for this winter.
"Both Barca and the player have already been informed of this stance. Kounde is no longer untouchable for Barca or for Hansi Flick.
"That said, the board will only listen to offers if the French centre-back himself asks to leave.
"The ball is now in the player's court. Xabi Alonso plans to contact his entourage very soon, as he sees him as a key piece for his defensive project."
Those are some pretty big claims, particularly with Chelsea having previously struggled to convince Kounde to choose Stamford Bridge over Barcelona.
The 27-year-old has found himself further down the pecking order under Hansi Flick this season, with Eric Garcia and Joao Cancelo ahead of him in the right-back options.
Kounde has started just one La Liga match this campaign.
Chelsea could finally get their man
Chelsea's interest in Kounde is nothing new. The Blues were heavily involved in the race to sign him from Sevilla in 2022, only for Barcelona to win the battle.
Alonso is now keen to revisit that deal, with the Frenchman viewed as an important addition to his defensive plans.
Kounde's versatility is a big selling point. Although primarily used at right-back in recent seasons, he is also capable of playing centrally, possibly giving the Chelsea manager another option across his backline.
That could become even more important with uncertainty surrounding Malo Gusto's future at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea have reportedly considered selling the Frenchman, potentially opening the door for Kounde to replace his compatriot.
However, there is still a major obstacle. Barcelona are not prepared to simply push the defender out, with Jesus claiming they will only entertain offers if Kounde himself requests a transfer.
Chelsea may have made their intentions perfectly clear, but the next move is up to the player.
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