
Barcelona were being linked with a move for Chelsea target Jules Kounde, with reports claiming that the Catalan club were keen on hijacking the deal.
However, confirmed reports have it that the Sevilla defender is on his way to Chelsea, and there was no truth in the reports of a Barcelona hijack.
Speaking at a press conference in Orlando, ahead of Chelsea’s game with Arsenal, Blues boss Thomas Tuchel was asked if it was true that Jules Kounde was going to reject Barcelona and join Chelsea in the coming days.
“This is what you say… but I will not comment on other players,” the Chelsea boss told Sky Sports.
“No news at the moment. I will tell you if there will ever be news on Kounde.”
Tuchel said these words in his usual humorous smile that seems to pass an indirect message.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has since confirmed that Barca aren’t close to hijacking the deal from Chelsea.
In a conversation with a Barcelona supporter which was captured by Relevo, Barcelona president Joan Laporta was asked if the club are signing Kounde, to which he replied: “No, he is going to sign for Chelsea.”