Chelsea has moved from darling of players to one they love to snub
Chelsea FC,
French defender Jules Kounde is set to join Barcelona despite serious interest from Chelsea throughout the transfer window, and he's not the first player to turn down the Blues this summer
The French international was one of the central defensive targets on Chelsea's list, with manager Thomas Tuchel keen to strengthen after losing both Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen. However, with Barca confirming an agreement in principle for the centre-back, the Blues will have to look elsewhere.
It's a familiar story for the London side, who have not had the summer they'd have liked under new owner Todd Boehly. Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly have arrived at significant expense, but plenty of other targets will not be coming to west London.
Nathan Ake
Last summer, Chelsea spent big to bring Romelu Lukaku back to Stamford Bridge in a club record deal. Another former Blue looked to be on the way back this summer, with Manchester City defender Nathan Ake strongly linked.
Ake joined City from Bournemouth for £41m in the summer of 2020, after the Cherries' relegation. The Dutch international has struggled to hold down a regular starting spot at the Manchester club., but maintained he is keen to stay and fight for his place.
“It's all been good and I'm just ready to kick on," Ake said after the Chelsea links. "Obviously you get information as well but during this holiday I tried to enjoy it and keep away from it. You only have two-and-a-half weeks or so. It's not easy but I try to do that.”
Presnel Kimpembe
Kimpembe is another one of the central defensive targets looked at by Chelsea. However, despite hope of a deal being completed, the Frenchman now looks poised to stay at Paris Saint-Germain.
PSG have made a number of changes this summer. Mauricio Pochettino has been replaced as manager by Christophe Galtier, while Angel di Maria and Alphonse Areola are among the players to leave.
Kimpembe is no longer expected to follow them, though. The likes of Mauro Icardi and Idrissa Gueye could still be offloaded, but the 26-year-old will be staying put unless something big changes between now and September 1.
Raphinha
Kounde isn't the only transfer target to choose Barcelona over Chelsea. Raphinha was targeted by Tuchel early in the window after his impressive form for Leeds United, but will spend the upcoming season at Camp Nou.
The Brazilian's agent, Deco, represented both Barca and Chelsea during his own playing career. Still, once the Catalan club were in the mix, Raphinha's mind was made up.
"Truth is that I always wanted to come to Barça," he told Sport, "It was a dream I had since I was a kid, because I saw my idols and big Brazilian stars playing here
Ousmane Dembele
To rub salt into the wound, Dembele - one of those who Raphinha might have been replacing at Barcelona - also stuck around. The Frenchman was linked with a Premier League switch in January, but forced his way back into the picture under Xavi and thrived in the second half of the season.
The former Borussia Dortmund star saw his contract expire at the end of June and was free to speak to potential suitors. Instead, though, he agreed new terms with Barca in July.
Dembele has continued to impress in pre-season, scoring twice in a draw with Juventus. He looks set to play a big part this season if he can put his injury-hit past behind him.
