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Barcelona have won the race to sign Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde ahead of Chelsea.
However, Barcelona state that the deal is subject to Kounde passing a medical.
The Frenchman joins Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Franck Kessie at the Camp Nou in what has been a remarkable summer of transfer activity for the Catalan giants.
Barca boss Xavi looks set to start Kounde alongside Danish defender Andreas Christensen, who joined the Blaugrana when his contract at Stamford Bridge expired at the end of last term.
Kounde, 23, has drawn plenty of admirers with his performances since moving to Andalucia from Bordeaux in 2019.
The rising star also brings plenty of top-flight experience having established himself as a first-team regular as a teenager, making 133 appearances for the Rojiblancos and winning the Europa League in 2020.
Kounde’s new employers are eager to improve on last season’s efforts which saw them finish 13 points behind LaLiga champions Real Madrid and fail to advance from the Champions League group stage.
The defender was delighted to have made the switch to the Camp Nou.
He said: “I am very proud and very thankful for this opportunity. I am very excited because I am arriving at a great club.
“I am really looking forward to start playing with the team, getting to know my teammates and give it my best effort.
“Sevilla are a great club but I think that Barca are the next step in my career. I want to compete in every competition, to win it, to try and win as much as possible in terms of trophies.
“Xavi is a big reason as to why I’m here. His spiel convinced me, I’m excited to start working with the team.”
For Chelsea, boss Thomas Tuchel must now continue his search for reinforcements.
Senegal centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly, 31, has arrived to West London along with England forward Raheem Sterling.
But the German coach believes further additions are required if the Blues are to challenge Manchester City and Liverpool for the Premier League title.
