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.
Bu hikaye Evening Standard dergisinin July 25, 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Evening Standard dergisinin July 25, 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Why are England wasting time waiting for Tuchel?
Winning the World Cup is the aim, so the new boss should start now
He's been shot, and punched by Mike Tyson, but British boxing's great survivor is back on top and aiming to rule the world
This is where the magic happens,\" reads a big neon sign scrawled across the entrance to the offices of arguably the most powerful man in British boxing today.
How Sketch went from 'obscene' to era-defining
After arocky start, the glamorous and infamous restaurant is now an institution
Money is worth less than time'
He's quit Fendi, but what will Kim Jones do next?
London's Roman Amphitheatre
Guildhall Yard, EC2V
Liberals didn't notice they'd lost relevance in the all-consuming digital sphere
There are many reasons why Donald Trump might have won the election last week.
Do we have to die?
One neuroscientist thinks the answer is no
How to have a magical Christmas in Edinburgh
From cosy cobblestone streets to abundant Yuletide goings-on, few cities rival the Scottish capital in creating Christmas whimsy.
London's best festive restaurants
The social season is upon us once more. These are the city’s most coveted Christmas venues, which need to be booked soon so as to not miss out on the tinsel and tipples.
Rag'n'Bone Man
I struggle with being recognised... I'll never really feel comfortable with it'
