Chelsea blow as Barcelona officially CONFIRM Jules Kounde transfer after LaLiga giants hijack deal for Sevilla defender

BARCELONA have confirmed the signing of Jules Kounde after hijacking Chelsea's move for the Sevilla defender in a deal worth up to £46million.

The LaLiga giants have agreed a deal in principle for the French centre-back, 23, who now only needs to complete his medical to be officially announced as a Barca star.

It will bring to an end a long chase from Chelsea to land the in-demand France international.

The Blues had been locked in a battle with Barcelona for weeks, and at one stage appeared to have got a deal over the line.

But on Thursday evening, Barcelona announced that Kounde would be joining their club, pending the completion of his medical.

A club read: "FC Barcelona and Sevilla FC have reached an agreement for the transfer of Jules Olivier Kounde, awaiting the player passing a medical and the signing of contracts."

On their , Barcelona also tweeted out a short video of Kounde seemingly on his way to his medical.

After all-but completing his deal, Kounde revealed Barca boss Xavi was a key factor behind him joining the club.

The French ace said: "Xavi is a big reason as to why I'm here.

"His spiel convinced me, I'm excited to start working with the team.

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"It’s clear that we see football in the same way."

The announcement will be a blow for Chelsea who have monitored Kounde for a long time and were known to be interested.

Despite the signing of Kalidou Koulibaly, the Blues are still believed to be in the market for another defender or two.

With Kounde now seemingly out of reach, they may turn their attention back to PSG's Presnel Kimpembe as they look to secure upgrade their defence.

As for Barcelona, this is the latest huge transfer that they have managed to pull off this despite their well-documented financial issues.

They also managed to beat Thomas Tuchel's side to the signing of Raphinha before sensationally landing Robert Lewandowski.

Ex-Chelsea man Andreas Christensen has also arrived on a free transfers this summer, while Blues target Ousmane Dembele put pen to paper on a contract extension.

Franck Kessie has also joined the Nou Camp ranks on a free following his AC Milan exit.