Chelsea have switched their attentions to Inter Milan defender Denzel Dumfries following their frustrations over a deal for Sevilla defender Jules Kounde.
The Blues thought that they held the upper hand in a move for the Frenchman, only for Barcelona to swoop in and hijack yet another deal from under the nose of Thomas Tuchel, having done the same with Raphinha earlier in the transfer window.
While Barcelona’s bid (consisting of 50m euros plus a further 10m in add-ons) will not match Chelsea’s, there is confidence that it will be accepted by the Spanish side, with Kounde ready to agree personal terms.
Barcelona are in direct negotiations with Sevilla for Jules Koundé. Official bid won’t be €50m plus €10m and won’t match Chelsea’s £55m bid – it will be lower with different structure. 🚨🔵🔴 #FCB
Koundé, waiting for the next steps as he already agreed personal terms. pic.twitter.com/uOQ6FyregO
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 25, 2022
As a result, the London Evening Standard claim that the Blues have switched their focus to the Dutch full-back, who has excelled as a right wing-back since his move to Inter Milan last summer. He is also courted by Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag keen to strengthen his right flank.
26-year-old Dumfries grabbed 5 goals and 7 assists in 45 appearances for the Serie A giants last campaign, which saw them lose out to rivals AC Milan for the title by just 2 points.
A change of position for James
With Chelsea previously targeting a centre-back. and still keen to strengthen there, should they move for Dumfries it would suggest a change of position for current wing-back Reece James, who has previously been deployed on the right side of Thomas Tuchel’s back three, and could do so once again for the coming season.
The Blues could still move for a centre-back, having reportedly drawn up a shortlist of five options to strengthen in the heart of their backline, but should a move for Dumfries materialise, it would imply a change of position for the impressive Englishman.