Chelsea receive impressive Jules Kounde stat amid €50m transfer talk

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Matthew Judge | Editor

Chelsea have learned transfer target Jules Kounde set a new record when helping Barcelona maintain their perfect start to the season against Getafe.

Kounde made his 194th appearance for Barcelona as the Spanish champions made it eight wins from eight in La Liga this season.

In doing so, the 27-year-old has now made more appearances for Barcelona than any other French player in their history, surpassing Eric Abidal.

And the night got even better for Kounde as he scored late on to help the Blaugrana record a comfortable 3-0 win over Getafe at Camp Nou.

The news comes as Chelsea continue to be loosely linked with a move for Kounde, who is contracted to Barcelona until the summer of 2030.

Spanish publication SPORT understands the Blues face stiff competition from Bayern Munich to sign the €50million-rated (£42.3m) right-back.

France international Kounde came close to joining Chelsea from Sevilla in the summer of 2022 before he eventually moved to Barcelona.

He has gone on to win seven trophies with the La Liga heavyweights including three league titles, while he has also recorded 11 goals and 22 assists.

Chelsea using Pedro Neto as unorthodox right wing-back

Chelsea have used Pedro Neto as an unconventional right wing-back this season, with the Portugal international impressing in his new role under Xabi Alonso.

The 26-year-old, who was linked with a summer move to Manchester City, recorded an assist as the Blues thrashed Bournemouth 5-1 in the Premier League on Saturday.

Chelsea also have captain Reece James and summer signing Marco Palestra as options in the area of the pitch where Kounde plays.

Palestra made his first appearance for Chelsea against Bournemouth, clocking up 18 minutes of football as a second-half substitute at Stamford Bridge.

The Italy international joined the west London club from Serie A side Atalanta for €57m (£48.2m) in July, signing a six-year deal with the option for a further year.

Chelsea moved up to fifth in the Premier League after ending a three-game winless run against Bournemouth, with Joao Pedro and Jordan Henderson scoring braces.

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