"Not for sale." Spanish giants reject Chelsea bid for £200,000 per-week star.

 • Spanish giants have turned down Chelsea's bid for £200,000 plus per week defender. 

• The player is tagged "Untouchable." 

Barcelona have reportedly deemed Jules Kounde as "untouchable" following Chelsea's revived interest in the player. 

Recall Chelsea were eager to sign Jules Kounde during the 2022 summer transfer window.

However, the French defender ultimately chose to join Barcelona from Sevilla instead, dealing a significant setback to Thomas Tuchel, who was in charge at Stamford Bridge at the time.

Chelsea appear poised to make another attempt to sign Jules Kounde, but the defender’s situation at Barcelona, coupled with his massive release clause, would make any deal extremely difficult.

Back in December, reports suggested that Chelsea were looking to bring in an experienced centre-back, a move that could see the club depart from their usual transfer policy.

According to Sport, while Chelsea remain interested in Kounde, Barcelona consider the 27-year-old “non-transferable” and are relaxed about his future. The La Liga giants also cannot be pressured into a deal, with Kounde’s release clause currently set at an eye-watering €1 billion (£870m).

Since moving from Sevilla, Kounde has primarily featured at right-back for Barcelona, although he played as a central defender at his former club. Following his switch to the Spotify Camp Nou, Kounde revealed that he had spoken to Thomas Tuchel about a potential Chelsea move, but the German manager was ultimately unable to persuade him.

Kounde is not the only defensive target for Chelsea. Journalist Simon Phillips recently reported that the Blues are also monitoring Atletico Madrid’s Marc Pubill.

Realistically, a move for Kounde this summer seems highly unlikely. Still, Chelsea may consider making an attempt for the Frenchman, who joined Barcelona for around £42 million.

At 27, Kounde has made over 150 appearances for Barcelona and earned 46 caps for France. He would bring the kind of experience currently lacking in Liam Rosenior’s squad. The France international is also versatile, able to operate both at right-back and in central defence.

Chelsea have also been linked with Murillo, who could serve as another alternative should Kounde remain untouchable this summer.