CHELSEA face a nervous wait over their move for Sevilla defender Jules Kounde, after Barcelona attempted to hijack their approach.
They face history repeating itself after missing out on Leeds winger Raphinha in similar circumstances, with the 23-year-old France international being told to wait for the Catalan giants to raise funds for a move.
Barca's manager, Xavi, has been instrumental in convincing his summer targets to turn down the Blues, having also poached Andreas Christensen from Chelsea on a free transfer. They have also offered Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta a lucrative two-year deal that he wants to accept.
Previous owner Roman Abramovich was willing to let the 32-year-old move on after nine years of service, but the new Boehly-Clearlake consortium have been told by Thomas Tuchel to hold off on allowing the move.
Denne historien er fra July 25, 2022-utgaven av Evening Standard.
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Denne historien er fra July 25, 2022-utgaven av Evening Standard.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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I struggle with being recognised... I'll never really feel comfortable with it'
