Topics: Jules Kounde, Chelsea, Sevilla, English Premier League, La Liga, Transfer
The Catalan giants look to be leading the race for Sevilla's highly-rated French center-back, forcing the Blues to look elsewhere for defensive reinforcement.

For the second time running this summer, Chelsea look to have lost a transfer battle with Spanish giants Barcelona.

It is no secret that these two continental giants were keen on signing Sevilla sensation Jules Kounde. After losing both Rudiger and Christensen for free this summer, Tuchel's side are in need of quality center-backs and have identified the aforementioned Frenchman as the perfect candidate. Unfortunately for the Blues, the Catalan giants came to the same conclusion and are pursuing the defender as well.

Chelsea were thought to have won the race, but as Barcelona did with Raphinha, Xavi's side made a late swoop for the 23-year-old and appear to have beaten the London giants. Well-known Catalan journalist Gerard Romero has tweeted out several times that the Spanish giants have emerged victorious while Fabrizio Romano reports that Laporta and Co. are "getting closer", having held positive talks with the club and having agreed personal terms with the player.

This is unwelcomed news for the FIFA Club World Cup holders as Tuchel would have preferred to have his new signings through the door as early as possible. However, the English side are being linked with alternatives already, with two standout names being mentioned.

A recent report from Goal states that Presnel Kimpembe could be an option given a recent statement from the head coach. The German tactician stated that a left-footed center-back is one of his desires and that matches the PSG star's description.

"We are looking for guys who can play on the left side," the boss said, as per Chelsea's website.

"Toni [Rudiger] played on the left side and was not a left-footed guy, so maybe Kalidou can play there because he plays in a back-four on the left side, but let's see what is possible.

"It is not only about bringing players in for numbers; we need numbers, we also need quality so we will make some decisions late, not only about players but also about systems.

"Ideally we would have a left-footer."

But that isn't the only alternative. The reliable Ben Jacobs of CBS Sports has taken to Twitter to remind everyone that Inter Milan ace Milan Skriniar is also on Chelsea's radar.

However, there are two huge roadblocks to this pursuit. First of all, the player has already agreed personal terms with PSG and is keen on a move to Paris. Additionally, the Nerazzurri's asking price is steep, hence why his Ligue 1 switch hasn't been completed, with Inter reportedly demanding €65-70M for the 27-year-old.