Barcelona eyeing Manchester City defender as alternative to Chelsea-linked Jules Kounde - Reports
Barcelona will reportedly target Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte if they fail to beat Chelsea in the race for Jules Kounde.
The Sevilla defender could be on the move this summer, with a departure to Stamford Bridge looking likely at this point. According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Chelsea and Sevilla have a verbal agreement for the 23-year-old defender.
If Kounde makes the move to west London, Barcelona seem to have a 'Plan B' in place. Per Spanish outlet Fichajes, the Catalan giants could turn to Laporte to bolster their defense ahead of the new season.
Barca have signed Andreas Christensen from Chelsea on a free transfer this summer, but Gerard Pique's time at Camp Nou seems to be coming to an end.
Clement Lenglet has also sealed a season-long loan to Tottenham Hotspur this summer. Hence, there is a need for Xavi Hernandez to strengthen his defense.
Sevilla and Chelsea now have a verbal agreement in place for Jules Kounde. Advanced talks continuing to finalise. Kounde has already agreed personal terms with #CFC and they are more preferable than the offer from Barcelona. Barca haven't yet made a formal counter-offer.
The Spain international has the profile that Xavi is looking for and will seemingly have a fruitful pairing with Ronald Araujo. Both the concerned clubs share a good relationship and it will all come down to how Laporte feels about the transfer.
Laporte will also come at a cheaper price than Kounde, with Transfermarkt valuing him at €45 million. Interestingly, the 28-year-old holds the Premier League record for accumulating more points than any other player in his first 100 games played, gathering 254 points.
Pep Guardiola claims Manchester City will not sign Chelsea and Barcelona target Neymar
French outlet Le Parisien linked Manchester City with a move for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star Neymar earlier this week.
Chelsea, Manchester United and Barcelona have also shown an interest in signing the 30-year-old Brazilian superstar. However, with his recent comments, Pep Guardiola has taken Manchester City's name out of the hat.
Neymar has faced Manchester City 10 times in his career and only scored once
😬 Neymar has faced Manchester City 10 times in his career and only scored once https://t.co/18l88HiMll
The Spaniard was asked about the Cityzens' interest in Neymar during a press conference before his team's preseason game against Club America. He responded (h/t WION):
“I am so sorry for Le Parisien, but it is not true. I am sorry for them because the information they have received is false. Neymar is an incredible player and by my information, he is a nice guy."
He added:
"Let him express himself at Paris. Manchester City bought 150 players every summer, and it is not true. I am sorry for Neymar, of course."
New coach Christophe Galtier also made it clear recently that Neymar will remain in Paris next season. He has hinted that the Brazilian will be used in a playmaking role. He said:
“I know where Neymar can be comfortable, whether it’s a little higher off the hook or in front of two midfielders; Neymar, like Leo (Messi), they are facilitators, players who have this ability to be found between the lines and to be decisive.”