Barcelona beat Chelsea to Jules Kounde signing

Barcelona have beaten Chelsea to the signing of Sevilla defender Jules Kounde this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Blues entered talks with Sevilla to land the France international earlier this month, and even agreed on the transfer fee.

However, the deal was hijacked by the Blaugrana, and there is now a verbal agreement in place between them and Sevilla.

Kounde was open to joining the Blues, but his first preference were always Barcelona. He has now agreed personal terms with them.

The news should come as a big blow for the Blues, who have lost out on both Raphinha and Kounde to the Catalan giants.

Meanwhile, Barcelona are interested in signing Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta, and a deal is expected to materialise.

Chelsea's hierarchy have been left angered by Barcelona's dealings, but there is still a healthy relationship between the clubs.

Aside from Azpilicueta, there have been claims that the Catalans also want to sign Marcos Alonso, who has been a long-term target.