Selling Renato Veiga could raise funds for Chelsea to break their model and sign world class star | OneFootball

Arsenal’s title challenge has faltered, and the Gunners look set for a trophyless season now.

They are already looking ahead to the summer to strengthen, and according to CaughtOffside they’ve already got a major ex-Chelsea player in their sights. Jules Kounde has gone from a good centre back to a really good right back in his time in Catalonia, and is wanted by the Gunners.

While Chelsea’s interest in Kounde obviously cooled after he made the move to the Camp Nou and turned down the Blues a few years back, he’s clearly still admired heavily at Stamford Bridge, and recent developments might make a move even more likely. Enzo Maresca likes to play with his full backs inverting into midfield, and Kounde’s hybrid right back / centre back profile should be an absolute dream for the Italian coach.

There was preposterous talk last month that a €100m offer could be made, but that is clearly not on the cards in any way, shape or form.

Chelsea once again stuck with budget restraints

Jules Kounde celebrates scoring for Barcelona.(Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

The problem for Chelsea with this move would likely be the cost. Barcelona don’t want to sell, but their hand could easily be forced given the financial situation they’re in. They can’t say no to a wedge of cash. But Chelsea aren’t in the business of hanging those out, not for 26 year olds whose value is probably at its all time peak.

Still, with relatively few holes in the squad to fill this summer once the likes of Estevao Willian and Andrey Santos already coming in and injured players returning, it’s something they could think about.

It may become more of a case of having to sell before we buy. Perhaps Renato Veiga could move permanently to Juventus for something like €30m, paying for the bulk of a Kounde move?