Barcelona lead race for Jules Kounde

Chelsea are in talks to sign Presnel Kimpembe from Paris Saint-Germain this summer with long-term target Jules Kounde looking increasingly likely to join Barcelona, 90min understands.

After a quiet start to the transfer window the Blues have made significant progress in their recruitment recently.

On Wednesday they confirmed the arrival of Raheem Sterling from Manchester City and 90min understands that new owner Todd Boehly is keen to press on with further additions over the coming weeks.

Chelsea are close to signing Kalidou Koulibaly and Nathan Ake from Napoli and Man City respectively, and sources have now indicated that they could make a move for Kimpembe too.

The Blues have always been keen to recruit three centre-backs this summer following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, while the future of captain Cesar Azpilicueta is also far from certain.

90min understands that Kimpembe has emerged as a contender to be this third defender. Talks are already underway with PSG and although negotiations are at an early stage, the Frenchman is thought to be keen on the move. Personal terms are also not believed to be an issue.

PSG are in the process of restructuring their backline themselves with sources indicating to 90min that a deal to sign Inter’s Milan Skriniar should be finalised soon. Skriniar’s arrival would then free up Kimpembe to make the move to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea do have other targets should an agreement not be reach, though. Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano is another option and they have also looked at Villarreal’s Pau Torres.

In addition, they are long-term admirers of Kounde. However, 90min understands that their chances of signing the Sevilla defender are dwindling thanks to strong interest from Barcelona.

With the Blaugrana activating the ‘second lever’ of their economic recovery, they are free to dip into the transfer market and have already confirmed the arrival of Raphinha from Leeds.

Now, 90min has been informed that Barca are looking to sign Kounde and have offered Memphis Depay to Sevilla in a part-exchange agreement. Samuel Umtiti and Joen-Clair Todino could also be used as makeweight.