{"id":1597,"date":"2026-04-02T06:13:42","date_gmt":"2026-04-02T06:13:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/?p=1597"},"modified":"2026-04-02T06:13:42","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T06:13:42","slug":"transfer-rumours-chelsea-reignite-e80m-kounde-pursuit-after-calafiori-decision","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/?p=1597","title":{"rendered":"Transfer Rumours: Chelsea reignite \u20ac80m Kounde pursuit after Calafiori decision"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"\">\n<div class=\"author\">\n<figure class=\"author-thumb\">\n                                                        <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-image-size=\"not_specified\" class=\"\" width=\"112\" height=\"112\" alt=\"Tom Weber\" src=\"https:\/\/static.footballtransfers.com\/images\/cf\/image\/upload\/footballcritic\/tticnnxhimovyjvdrvt8\/w=112,h=112,quality=75,fit=cover,format=auto\"\/>                                                    <\/figure>\n<div class=\"authInfo\">\n<p>                                                    Tom Weber<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Updated:  1 Apr 2026 17:55 BST<\/li>\n<li>5 min read<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<figure class=\"large-img\">\n                                                <picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static.footballtransfers.com\/images\/cf\/image\/upload\/86b5560f-dc80-4831-8c5d-a9e625c6ad00\/width=1200,height=675,q=75,fit=cover,format=auto\" media=\"(min-width: 960px)\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static.footballtransfers.com\/images\/cf\/image\/upload\/86b5560f-dc80-4831-8c5d-a9e625c6ad00\/width=640,height=360,q=75,fit=cover,format=auto\" media=\"(min-width: 480px)\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static.footballtransfers.com\/images\/cf\/image\/upload\/86b5560f-dc80-4831-8c5d-a9e625c6ad00\/width=375,height=211,q=75,fit=cover,format=auto\" media=\"(min-width: 320px)\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-image-size=\"retina\" class=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" alt=\"Jules Kounde, rumours\" src=\"https:\/\/static.footballtransfers.com\/images\/cf\/image\/upload\/86b5560f-dc80-4831-8c5d-a9e625c6ad00\/w=1200,h=675,quality=75,fit=cover,format=auto\" fetchpriority=\"high\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><figcaption><figcaption>\u00a9 IMAGO <\/figcaption><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>FootballTransfers runs through the biggest rumours from 2 April, including the latest updates on Jules Kounde, Riccardo Calafiori and Christian Kofane.<\/p>\n<p><center class=\"p-1 light-grey-bg\">Article continues under the video<\/center> <\/p>\n<h2>  Chelsea reignite Kounde pursuit <\/h2>\n<p>Chelsea have reignited their interest in Barcelona defender Jules Kounde, according to <i><a title=\"Mundo Deportivo\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mundodeportivo.com\/futbol\/fc-barcelona\/20260401\/1004162789\/peligro-kounde-agenda-grandes.html\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Sports World<\/b><\/a><\/i>.<\/p>\n<p>The France international has been repeatedly linked with the Blues since his Sevilla days. He is currently in the midst of a difficult season, having struggled for form and fitness after being one of Barcelona&#8217;s most reliable performers last term.<\/p>\n<p>Barcelona don&#8217;t want to sell. However, given their financial situation, they would have to consider lucrative offers for the versatile defender. It is claimed that a fee in the region of \u20ac80 million could do the trick. Liverpool and Man City are also linked.<\/p>\n<h2>  Calafiori to Chelsea unlikely <\/h2>\n<div class=\"col-md-12 p-0 d-flex image-container\">\n<figure class=\"article-image\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static.footballtransfers.com\/images\/cf\/image\/upload\/5e64fe50-46ca-4778-0c9f-6f6d2da1a400\/width=1200,height=674,q=75,fit=cover,format=auto\" media=\"(min-width: 960px)\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static.footballtransfers.com\/images\/cf\/image\/upload\/5e64fe50-46ca-4778-0c9f-6f6d2da1a400\/width=640,height=359,q=75,fit=cover,format=auto\" media=\"(min-width: 480px)\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static.footballtransfers.com\/images\/cf\/image\/upload\/5e64fe50-46ca-4778-0c9f-6f6d2da1a400\/width=375,height=211,q=75,fit=cover,format=auto\" media=\"(min-width: 320px)\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-image-size=\"retina\" class=\"lazyload\" width=\"750\" height=\"422\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Riccardo Calafiori\" src=\"https:\/\/static.footballtransfers.com\/images\/cf\/image\/upload\/5e64fe50-46ca-4778-0c9f-6f6d2da1a400\/w=750,h=422,quality=75,fit=cover,format=auto\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><figcaption>\u00a9 IMAGO &#8211; Riccardo Calafiori<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>The Blues&#8217; interest in Kounde comes amid reports that a move for Arsenal star Riccardo Calafiori is unrealistic.<\/p>\n<p><i><a title=\"CaughtOffside\" href=\"https:\/\/www.caughtoffside.com\/2026\/04\/01\/riccardo-calafiori-open-to-arsenal-transfer-exit\/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>CaughtOffside<\/b><\/a><\/i>  claims that while there is some interest in the Italy international, he will not be moving to Stamford Bridge this summer. Chelsea were among the clubs trying to sign him before he joined Arsenal and have again been linked recently.<\/p>\n<p>The Gunners don&#8217;t really want to sell Calafiori after just two years, but it is asserted that he could be keen on a move away, particularly a return to Italy, where Inter are concretely interested.<\/p>\n<h2>  Arsenal keeping tabs on Kofane <\/h2>\n<p>Arsenal are interested in Bayer Leverkusen striker Christian Kofane, <i><a title=\"Sky Germany\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/Plettigoal\/status\/2039284975841825046\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Sky Germany<\/b><\/a><\/i>  reports.<\/p>\n<p>The Cameroon international is showing huge promise in the Bundesliga and also impressed against the Gunners in the Champions League. He featured prominently for his country at the African Cup of Nations.<\/p>\n<p>Real Madrid and numerous other Premier League sides are also tracking his development. Leverkusen are not planning to sell the 19-year-old for less than \u20ac60m this summer.<\/p>\n<h2>  Tonali offered to Real Madrid <\/h2>\n<div class=\"col-md-12 p-0 d-flex image-container\">\n<figure class=\"article-image\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static.footballtransfers.com\/images\/cf\/image\/upload\/3eaeb24f-c49e-41fd-d1df-9259391df200\/width=1200,height=674,q=75,fit=cover,format=auto\" media=\"(min-width: 960px)\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static.footballtransfers.com\/images\/cf\/image\/upload\/3eaeb24f-c49e-41fd-d1df-9259391df200\/width=640,height=359,q=75,fit=cover,format=auto\" media=\"(min-width: 480px)\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static.footballtransfers.com\/images\/cf\/image\/upload\/3eaeb24f-c49e-41fd-d1df-9259391df200\/width=375,height=211,q=75,fit=cover,format=auto\" media=\"(min-width: 320px)\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-image-size=\"retina\" class=\"lazyload\" width=\"750\" height=\"422\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Sandro Tonali\" src=\"https:\/\/static.footballtransfers.com\/images\/cf\/image\/upload\/3eaeb24f-c49e-41fd-d1df-9259391df200\/w=750,h=422,quality=75,fit=cover,format=auto\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><figcaption>\u00a9 IMAGO &#8211; Sandro Tonali<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali has been offered to Real Madrid by his representatives, as per <i><b>TEAMtalk<\/b><\/i>.<\/p>\n<p>The Italy international&#8217;s camp are stepping up their efforts to secure a big summer transfer, though Tonali himself is keeping his head down and not actively agitating for a move.<\/p>\n<p>Real Madrid are known to be in the market for a midfielder. Man City are pushing hard to sign the 25-year-old, while he also features prominently on the shortlists of Arsenal and Man Utd.<\/p>\n<h2>  Man Utd keenly scouting Dahl <\/h2>\n<p>Man Utd have been regularly scouting Benfica left-back Samuel Dahl this season, <i><a title=\"Record\" href=\"https:\/\/www.record.pt\/futebol\/futebol-nacional\/liga-betclic\/benfica\/detalhe\/dezenas-de-relatorios-e-proposta-a-vista-o-clube-da-premier-league-que-segue-samuel-dahl?ref=Benfica_DestaquesPrincipais\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Record<\/b><\/a><\/i>  states.<\/p>\n<p>Scouts have watched the Sweden international in the flesh a dozen times, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. He was already on the Red Devils&#8217; radar before he moved to Portugal.<\/p>\n<p>The 23-year-old is now a genuine target for the summer, as left-back is clearly a position Man Utd are looking to strengthen in the upcoming window. AS Roma have a 40% sell-on clause, so Benfica will demand a significant premium for Dahl.<\/p>\n<h2>  More transfer rumours <\/h2>\n<div class=\"col-md-12 p-0 d-flex image-container\">\n<figure class=\"article-image\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static.footballtransfers.com\/images\/cf\/image\/upload\/b8d06859-ee5c-44db-9ce9-cc9628dee200\/width=1200,height=674,q=75,fit=cover,format=auto\" media=\"(min-width: 960px)\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static.footballtransfers.com\/images\/cf\/image\/upload\/b8d06859-ee5c-44db-9ce9-cc9628dee200\/width=640,height=359,q=75,fit=cover,format=auto\" media=\"(min-width: 480px)\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static.footballtransfers.com\/images\/cf\/image\/upload\/b8d06859-ee5c-44db-9ce9-cc9628dee200\/width=375,height=211,q=75,fit=cover,format=auto\" media=\"(min-width: 320px)\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-image-size=\"retina\" class=\"lazyload\" width=\"750\" height=\"422\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Gabriel Martinelli\" src=\"https:\/\/static.footballtransfers.com\/images\/cf\/image\/upload\/b8d06859-ee5c-44db-9ce9-cc9628dee200\/w=750,h=422,quality=75,fit=cover,format=auto\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><figcaption>\u00a9 IMAGO &#8211; Gabriel Martinelli<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Arsenal are looking increasingly likely to sell Gabriel Martinelli this summer. (<i><b>TEAMtalk<\/b><\/i>)<\/p>\n<p>Borussia Dortmund will have to make a big sale this summer to boost their budget and have lowered their price tag for Karim Adeyemi to \u20ac50m. (<i><a title=\"BILD\" href=\"https:\/\/sportbild.bild.de\/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>BILD<\/b><\/a><\/i>)<\/p>\n<p>Man Utd are the frontrunners to sign Toulouse centre-back Charlie Cresswell. (<i><b>TEAMtalk<\/b><\/i>)<\/p>\n<p>Man City have entered the race for RB Leipzig wonderkid Yan Diomande. (<i><b>Transfers<\/b><\/i>)<\/p>\n<p>Chelsea have made contact with Goncalo Ramos, who is looking to leave PSG this summer. (<i><b>TEAMtalk<\/b><\/i>)<\/p>\n<p>AS Monaco could demand as much as \u20ac85m for Chelsea target Lamine Camara. (<i><b>Transfers<\/b><\/i>)<\/p>\n<h2>Football transfer news headlines today<\/h2>\n<p><b class=\"arrowed\">Arsenal Transfer News Today: Brazil star admits Gunners dream with Calafiori &#8216;keen&#8217; on exit<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b class=\"arrowed\">Chelsea Transfer News Today: Delap replacement identified as \u20ac85m deal explodes into life<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b class=\"arrowed\">Man Utd Transfer News Today: Tonali shock as \u20ac30m problem emerges<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b class=\"arrowed\">Transfer Rumours: Adam Wharton twist as Man Utd get \u20ac20m discount<\/b><\/p>\n<h2>  The FootballTransfers app <\/h2>\n<p>Check out FootballTransfers&#8217; new app for all of football&#8217;s big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.<\/p>\n<p>The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:<\/p>\n<p><b>\u2022<a title=\"Google Play\" href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.footballtransfers.app&amp;hl=en_GB\" target=\"_blank\">Google Play<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n<p>\u2022<a title=\"App Store\" href=\"https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/gb\/app\/footballtransfers\/id6670417847\" target=\"_blank\">App Store<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Tom Weber Updated: 1 Apr 2026 17:55 BST 5 min read \u00a9 IMAGO FootballTransfers runs through the biggest rumours from 2 April, including the latest updates on Jules Kounde, Riccardo Calafiori and Christian Kofane. Article continues under the video Chelsea reignite Kounde pursuit Chelsea have reignited their interest in Barcelona defender Jules Kounde, according to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1598,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1597","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-arsenal"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1597","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1597"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1597\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1598"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1597"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1597"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1597"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}