The Sevilla centre-back was wanted at Chelsea last summer but the Blues ultimately failed to agree on a deal to sign him from the Spanish club.
The Frenchman was keen on the move and he is expected to be on Chelsea’s shortlist of targets again at the end of the season as they look to sign defenders.
But it has been claimed that Chelsea are likely to face serious competition from Barcelona in the summer for Kounde’s signature.
According to Catalan daily Sport, the Sevilla star is one of the top names on Barcelona’s shortlist at the end of the season.
Xavi Hernandez wants to revamp his defence in the summer and Kounde is a player he wants in his team for next season.
The Frenchman was keen on a move to Chelsea last year but it is unclear whether he will change his mind if Barcelona want him this time around.
Chelsea will have a financial edge over Barcelona in the race to sign Kounde if the saga comes down to money.
The Catalan giants are also looking to snap up Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen on a free transfer in the summer.
