According to Sevilla sporting director Monchi, Chelsea had reached agreement with Sevilla and Jules Kounde over a transfer, but the Blues backed out of the deal, which led to Barcelona hijack.

The comments by Monchi appear to be true, as Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel seemed to have preferred a move for Nathan Ake over Kounde.

Chelsea temporarily paused negotiations with Sevilla and Kounde to push for a move for Manchester City defender Nathan Ake earlier this week.

Fabrizio Romano said on his YouTube channel: “During this week, Chelsea wanted to change the strategy. Among many calls for centre-backs, Chelsea wanted to try one strategy, to go again for Nathan Ake.

“One month ago, Chelsea were really keen on Ake. They agreed personal terms with the Dutch centre-back. During the negotiations with Man City, they told Chelsea board ‘stop for Nathan Ake’ as they had no intention of accepting their latest proposal.

“Chelsea wanted to try again. They were prepared to submit a big proposal for Nathan Ake. They were prepared to tempt Manchester City with a new proposal.

“Man City needed a replacement, and one of their names was Jules Kounde. But, everything was almost impossible to be completed because the answer of Kounde’s side was very clear. He only wanted Barcelona.”

It’s yet to be seen the defender Chelsea would sign, as the Blues have been linked with a number of centre-backs.