Barcelona defender Jules Kounde is “keen on a move to Chelsea” amid doubts over this future at the Camp Nou, according to reports.

TEAMtalk claim that Barca are now seriously considering selling the Frenchman, who has been capped 57 times by his country, during the January transfer window.

Kounde has fallen out of favour under head coach Hansi Flick, with Eric Garcia and even Joao Cancelo being selected ahead of him on the right-hand side of defence. He has started just one league match in total.

If the 27-year-old continues to be overlooked, it appears he would be open to joining the Blues in the New Year.

Kounde came close to joining Chelsea 4 years ago

The London club actively pursued the France international during the 2022 summer transfer window when he was still at Sevilla.

Kounde ultimately ended up joining Barca, and he has spent most of his time with the La Liga side as a regular starter up until the current campaign.

Where would the defender fit in under Alonso?

Kounde started his career as a centre-half, but most of his minutes for Barcelona have been at right-back. For that reason, he would be pretty comfortable being deployed as part of a back three.

Xabi Alonso’s side have been shipping goals at the start of this season, having conceded 12 goals in 5 league matches already, so shoring up the backline is likely to be considered if things don’t improve before January.

Bayer Leverkusen’s Jarell Quansah has been mentioned in the German media as a potential alternative, but Kounde’s experience and his availability will make him an attractive target, even if other teams do get involved.

TEAMtalk report that Bayern Munich and Saudi Pro League clubs have already shown interest, while Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal have been contacted by intermediaries.