Barcelona ready to sell Jules Kounde to Chelsea as Yamal and Mbappe battle for La Liga crown

Chelsea close in on Jules Kounde as Barcelona set €50m asking price

Chelsea have immediately closed in on Jules Kounde ahead of the winter transfer window, with Barcelona ready to sell the 27-year-old defender for over €50m to help ease their financial crisis. The France international has suddenly lost his starting spot under Hansi Flick, making just four starts in 13 appearances this season (458 minutes), forcing the Catalan giants to cash in to reinvest in their squad.

La Liga October awards: Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe set for blockbuster battle

La Liga have announced their October award nominations, dominated by Real Madrid and Barcelona, sparking a Player of the Month battle between Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe. A perfect run of three wins has seen Real Madrid close the gap on Barca to three points, with Jose Mourinho leading the Manager of the Month nominations. Real Madrid's €140m signing Yan Diomande has also been shortlisted for the U23 Player of the Month award.

Trent Alexander-Arnold rejects Premier League return to stay at Real Madrid

Defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has flatly rejected loan offers from Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, and Chelsea in January 2027, determined to stay at Real Madrid. Despite falling out of favour under Jose Mourinho—registering just 345 minutes of action across seven games and slipping to third-choice right-back—the 28-year-old England star is resolved to fight for his place at the Bernabeu until his contract expires in June 2031.