Barcelona are confident they won’t face challenges in securing a new long-term deal for their key defender, Jules Kounde, despite reported interest from Chelsea.

Chelsea are seeking to strengthen their defense for the upcoming season, as they feel Benoit Badiashile and Tosin Adarabioyo may not be suitable starters at the top level. Additionally, the team has dealt with ongoing right-back issues, with Reece James even being used in a midfield role recently.

Kounde’s ability to perform well both in the center—where he was a standout player for Sevilla—and on the right makes him an appealing option for Chelsea to consider.

But Marca has reported that the France international has so far encouraged Barcelona officials in early attempts to gauge his willingness to extend his contract beyond its current expiry in 2027.

Kounde “wants to stay” and has “no intention of leaving” Barcelona. The 26-year-old is yet to miss a game in any competition so far this season and has started the majority of his 45 appearances.

He is said to “feel important” for Hansi Flick and is seen as a “great fit” in the dressing room. That all motivates Kounde to want to sign a new contract, for which early talks with Deco and the sporting department are considered to have been positive.

Kounde’s situation feels very different to that of vice-captain Ronald Araujo. The Uruguay international only recently signed a new Barcelona contract, but he has struggled to command a regular place since recovering from long-term injury and an affordable release clause makes a summer exit extremely plausible should a club be willing to trigger the €65m fee.

Chelsea haven’t really been linked with Araujo, although it feels like it could become a suitable option should they consider him a good fit and of sufficient quality to match their ambitions.