Chelsea have made initial enquiries about Barcelona defender Jules Kounde ahead of the January transfer window, according to journalist Matteo Moretto.

Speaking to DAZN Espana, Moretto revealed that the Blues are circling the Frenchman, who has been capped 58 times by his country, and his club are prepared to sanction his departure:

“Barca is going to listen to offers for Kounde. Chelsea is already inquiring about him.”

Kounde can play at right-back or centre-half, making him an ideal fit for both a back three and back four.

He has fallen down the pecking order at Barcelona

Kounde has only started 4 games in all competitions this season, with Hansi Flick having favoured Eric Garcia and Xavi Espart ahead of him.

It should be pointed out, though, that the 27-year-old started two consecutive league games earlier this month against Getafe and Real Betis, before he was sidelined with an ankle injury.

Flick clearly still sees him as part of his first-team plans, but there may be others in Barca’s hierarchy, potentially sporting director Deco, who believe he could be sold without impacting the team’s squad depth.

Do Chelsea really need another right-back?

The club are not exactly lacking options on the right-hand side of defence. Manager Xabi Alonso can call upon Marco Palestra, Malo Gusto, Reece James and even Josh Acheampong.

However,  there could be room for a player of Kounde’s profile. Gusto has been tipped to leave Stamford Bridge in the New Year, while James has been mostly used in midfield when fit.

Palestra, meanwhile, is best deployed as a wingback, while Acheampong would prefer to play in central defence.

Kounde could, therefore, be a useful option at right-back, whilst being well suited to being one of the three centre-halves if Alonso decides to switch back to that system in the future.