Despite spending more than £300 million in the summer transfer window, Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has asked the club's hierarchy to sign Barcelona duo Jules Kounde and Frenkie de Jong for €120 million (£101 million) in January. The Spaniard was furious about Enzo Fernandez's deadline-day sale to Manchester City, with the club leaving the resulting gap in midfield unfilled.
With captain Reece James sidelined for several weeks after another knee operation, strengthening at right-back has become a priority. Chelsea are preparing €55 million for Kounde, although the Catalans are driving a hard bargain. President Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco are willing to sell both players, but they want €65 million for De Jong.
