KEY POINTS

  • Jules Kounde is contracted with Seville until 2024
  • He is a target of both Chelsea and Barcelona
  • Barcelona recently signed Lewandowski and Raphinha

FC Barcelona have reportedly made Seville center-back Jules Kounde their new top priority in the summer window.

After signing forward Robert Lewandowski from Bayern Munich and Raphinha from Leeds United, Barcelona have shifted their focus to defense as they are looking to strengthen the department ahead of the 2022-23 campaign, reported Marca.com.

Kounde, who is contracted with Seville until 2024, is also a target of Chelsea. The club had tried to secure the defender last summer. After losing Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger this summer, Chelsea have already signed Napoli's center-back Kalidou Koulibaly and the Blues are now trying to land Kounde, who is expected to cost around $60 million.

Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez has spoken with Kounde in a bid to convince the French defender to move to Camp Nou. Despite that, Chelsea are "very close" to signing the 23-year-old defender, according to Spanish journalist Manu Sainz, who has a credible record in the European transfer market.

Meanwhile, Barcelona are also reportedly looking to add the Chelsea duo of Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta to their defense, having already signed Andreas Christensen.

Barcelona's current center-backs are Gerard Pique, Ronald Araujo and Sergino Dest.

Speaking about the competition that will come into the team with Koulibaly's arrival and the possible signing of Kounde, Araujo said, "Everyone knows what I can contribute, but I'm happy that people are coming to help, that's the most important thing, to have a competitive team. The headache will be for the coach to choose. Kounde is a great player, I want the best players to be here. We are Barça and it is important that we sign the best."

Sergio Oliveira of Portugal battles for possession with Jules Kounde of France
Sergio Oliveira of Portugal battles for possession with Jules Kounde of France Getty Images | Alex Livesey - UEFA/UEFA

Araujo is also looking forward to teaming up with Lewandowski, who joined Barcelona at $50 million on a three-year contract.

"I am very happy for the quality that Lewandowski has, it is a joy, it is tremendous. Good players like Raphinha, Christensen, Kessié.... we need to have competition. It’s always good in soccer because it makes you get the most out of yourself," added Araujo.

RELATED STORIES