Sky Sports News reported last week that Chelsea were confident of signing the France international defender, but the 23-year-old has opted to stay in Spain and don the colors of Barcelona. Barcelona confirmed on Thursday night that they have reached an agreement with Sevilla to sign Conte, with the defender now undergoing a medical in Catalonia before putting pen to paper on the contract. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player Spanish football expert Graham Hunter explains how Barcelona can afford their summer signings and their financial situation Chelsea, who signed Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly earlier this month and have also shown an interest in Manchester City centre-back Nathan Ake, will now look towards other central targets. Sky Sports News revealed earlier this week that the Blues are interested in Leicester’s French defender Wesley Fofana. Fofana signed a two-year contract extension with Leicester in March. His deal runs until 2027. Chelsea have lost Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen to Spanish football, with the duo joining Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively.
How did Barcelona steal Kunte from Chelsea?
Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth: “If you look at the transfer window last summer and this summer, Chelsea were very, very interested in signing Jules Conte. In fact, until two weeks ago they were sure to sign him. But then Barcelona entered the fray. And it seemed that Kunde’s head had turned. “It’s probably not in Sevilla’s interest to sell Kunte to Barcelona because Chelsea’s deal would be a good one that Sevilla would want to follow. Sevilla and Barcelona are in the same league and are rivals for the Champions League finish. , possibly. “Chelsea were also chasing Rafinha, thought they had agreed a deal with Leeds but lost out to Barcelona. It’s just another chapter in the saga: how do Barcelona do all these deals?”
“Annoyed” Tuchel in Barca’s pursuit of Azpilicueta
Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel says there is “no update” on his club’s pursuit of Sevilla’s Jules Conte and also says he does not want to let go of Cesar Azpilicueta. Meanwhile, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has admitted he is “a bit” annoyed with Barcelona over their pursuit of Cesar Azpilicueta. The 32-year-old has 12 months left on his Chelsea contract and has reportedly asked to leave the club after a decade at Stamford Bridge to return to his native Spain with Barcelona. But Tuchel says he is unsure if he wants to give Azpilicueta “what he wants” and believes Barca have undervalued the defender, comparing his value to Chelsea’s recent £33m signing of Koulibaly . Image: Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel (left) and Chelsea manager Cesar Azpilicueta (right) Asked if he has been bothered by the Spanish giants’ pursuit of Azpilicueta, Tuchel replied: “Maybe a little.” Asked about the Spaniard’s future, Tuchel said: “It’s a difficult question because I’m not sure if I want to give Azpi what he wants. “At some point it’s what we want. I was just making the comparison of how much we fought for Koulibaly, who is a national and about the same age. Image: Koulibaly had interest from other clubs. Credit: ChelseaFC “He’s a very important player for Napoli but we have a Spanish international who is captain at Chelsea. I see him maybe at the same level but Barcelona don’t see him at that level. So I’m not sure if I want to give him that which he wants as he is a huge player. “We don’t think so much about other clubs. The focus is on us and what we need. I told him that and I’m telling you that I understand on a personal and career level. But I’m not just in this role to give him what he needs he wants. I’m a Chelsea manager who wants to do what’s best for Chelsea. “He doesn’t like it, but he understands. It’s difficult for him because the other club is permanently on him. On September 1 when things calm down, then he can play at the highest level.”
Follow the summer transfer window with Sky Sports
Who will be on the move this summer when the transfer window closes at 11pm on September 1st? Keep up to date with all the latest transfer news and rumors on our exclusive Transfer Center blog on Sky Sports’ digital platforms. You can also catch up on the information and analysis on Sky Sports News.
