Chelsea are reportedly considering a £101 million January double swoop for Barcelona pair Jules Kounde and Frenkie de Jong as Xabi Alonso looks to strengthen his squad.
The proposed move would address two areas of concern for the Blues, who have made an inconsistent start to the season and have been further stretched by injuries.
Reece James is facing another spell out after undergoing knee surgery, leaving Chelsea short of options at right-back. Kounde, who can also operate in central defence, is being considered as a possible solution.
Chelsea target Barcelona double deal
Spanish reports suggest Chelsea could offer about €55 million (£46m) for the France international. Barcelona are reportedly prepared to listen to offers because Kounde is no longer an automatic starter under Hansi Flick.
De Jong is being targeted to improve Chelsea’s control in midfield. The club have not properly replaced Enzo Fernandez since his deadline-day move to Manchester City, and the Netherlands international is believed to be valued at around €65m (£55m).
Both players are considered attainable if Chelsea make offers that meet Barcelona’s expectations, although the combined cost would represent another significant investment in the January window.
Kounde would provide defensive versatility while De Jong could offer greater composure and progression in possession. His ability to play in several midfield roles has led European football expert Andy Brassell to say the Dutchman could make Chelsea “immeasurably better”.
However, the proposed spending would raise questions over whether Chelsea need more players or a better balance within their squad. They invested heavily during the summer, but injuries and a lack of control in midfield have exposed weaknesses.
Should Alonso decide that Kounde and De Jong are the right solutions, Chelsea may judge the outlay to be justified. The January plans, though, would represent a test of whether the club can address its problems with precision rather than simply adding to its number of expensive signings.
