Chelsea renew interest in Barcelona defender struggling for minutes ahead of January transfer window

Chelsea have rekindled their interest in Barcelona defender Jules Kounde, who has been facing reduced playing time this season. According to Mundo Deportivo, the 27-year-old Frenchman has fallen down the pecking order at his current club. Kounde has only started two of Barcelona's eight official matches this year, spending the remaining six games on the bench.

The Premier League club is considering whether to make a January transfer move for the experienced right-back, who is still highly regarded across Europe. Chelsea previously attempted to sign Kounde in 2022, but the transfer fell through when Barcelona eventually secured his services from Sevilla. While Bayern Munich have also shown interest, Chelsea appears to be the frontrunner.

Kounde's situation has become even more uncertain since Zinedine Zidane took over as France's national-team coach, as his role with the national side is now less certain. The defender has started France's recent international matches, but has been substituted in subsequent games, with Pierre Kalulu preferred at right-back. Chelsea's renewed interest in Kounde adds another layer to his uncertain future at Barcelona.