Chelsea ready to launch move for Barcelona star

Chelsea are ready to make a fresh approach for Barcelona defender Jules Kounde during the summer transfer window, according to Caught Offside.

The Frenchman was a top target for the west London giants few years ago, but he chose to join the La Liga champions from Sevilla instead.

Kounde primarily played as a centre-back in Seville, but he has largely operated from the right side of the defence for the Blaugrana.

Barcelona's financial struggles have been well documented and reports claim that the Blues could make a fresh move for Kounde later this year.

The Blues are well covered in the right-back position with the presence of Reece James, Malo Gusto and Josh Acheampong in their ranks.

However, there is room for more quality in the central defensive spots and Kounde would be an upgrade on the injury-prone Wesley Fofana.

Fofana's future is hanging in the balance heading into the summer. The Blues could see Kounde as a potential replacement for the Frenchman.