Man United and Chelsea interested in La Liga defender

Manchester United welcome Premier League leaders Arsenal to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon. 

The Red Devils have endured a frustrating season so far and pressure is mounting on manager Erik ten Hag to turn things around, with speculation rife that the former Ajax boss could be replaced.

Ten Hag may go some way towards redeeming himself if he can guide his side to victory against rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final later this month, but in the meantime it appears that those in charge of United’s recruitment are eyeing a move for a French defender.

According to Mundo Deportivo via 90min, both Man United and Chelsea are interested in Barcelona centre-back Jules Kounde.

Kounde is once again being linked with a move to Chelsea

Chelsea were interested in Kounde two years ago while the Frenchman was at Sevilla, but the proposed move collapsed and he eventually joined Barcelona.

The report suggests that fellow Premier League side Newcastle United are also keeping tabs on Kounde, along with French champions Paris Saint-Germain and Italian outfit Inter Milan.

Kounde, 25, has established himself as one of the best defenders in La Liga over recent seasons, and has been particularly impressive since moving to Catalunya in 2022.

The France international is contracted to Barcelona until the end of the 2026/27 season, which puts the Spanish side in a commanding position during any potential negotiations.

This season Kounde has primarily been deployed at right-back this season, as opposed to his more natural central defensive role.

United could be in the market for defensive reinforcements this summer, with both Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans likely to depart the club at the end of the current season.