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Newcastle United are reportedly looking to pip both Barcelona and Chelsea to Sevilla star Jules Kounde's signature this summer, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The 'Magpies have become a formidable financial force since the club was taken over by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) in October 2021, making them the richest football club in the world. They will be intent on leveraging their newfound resources to compete with Europe's elite clubs.
Barcelona and Chelsea are eyeing a move for Sevilla defender Jules Kounde this summer. The French centre-back has emerged as one of the most promising prospects in La Liga and has been linked with a move to some of the best clubs in the top five leagues.
Kounde is one of Sevilla's best players at the moment and the Andalusian club will hold out for a sizeable transfer fee. Chelsea are the frontrunners in the race to sign the defender but could see their position usurped by a resurgent Newcastle United side.
Barcelona have also expressed interest in Jules Kounde's signature but have several financial issues to address. The centre-back is currently one of the brightest prospects in European football and has several years ahead of him as a world-class defender.
Newcastle, Chelsea, and Barcelona set to battle it out for Sevilla's Jules Kounde
Newcastle United have emerged as a financial powerhouse in the Premier League and have already completed their first squad revamp. With Eddie Howe at the helm, the club signed Kieran Trippier and Bruno Guimaraes in the January transfer window and implemented their plans with an unprecedented degree of success.
The Magpies are willing to shell out a whopping €90 million to activate Jules Kounde's release clause at Sevilla. Barcelona will not be able to match this price due to their financial constraints and are not a likely destination at the moment.
While they did manage to avoid relegation comfortably this year, Newcastle United will not be able to offer Jules Kounde a place in the UEFA Champions League. Chelsea, on the other hand, have been far more consistent with their top-four credentials over the years and have an established squad under Thomas Tuchel.
Barcelona are also in the market for Gerard Pique's long-term successor but will need to pull a rabbit out of the hat to sign Jules Kounde. Sevilla have given Spain's biggest clubs a run for their money over the past year and are unlikely to sell their prized asset to a direct rival.
Chelsea also have issues to address regarding their ownership but are in dire need of a capable centre-back this summer. The Blues field a three-man defense under Thomas Tuchel and will need to keep Newcastle United at bay in the race for Jules Kounde.
