The Blues had agreed personal terms but the latest reports claim the Blaugrana have successfully hijacked their deal.

Friday saw the likes of Fabrizio Romano and Ben Jacobs, two reliable journalists, offer positive updates on Chelsea's pursuit of Jules Kounde. According to those two, the London giants had reached an agreement worth £55M ($66M) and had wrapped up personal terms with the player after fending off interest from Barcelona.

And understandably, Chelsea fans took to social media to celebrate this news. The Sevilla center-back is a highly-rated defender that would immensely improve Tuchel's back-four after the loss of Antonio Rudiger to Real Madrid.

Unfortunately, Saturday has brought a heartbreaking update. According to Gerard Romero, Barcelona made a last-ditch attempt to hijack this deal and have succeed! The Catalan journalist reports that a deal in principle has been reached between the two Spanish heavyweights and the Frenchman will complete his switch to the Camp Nou bar any last minute collapse.

It should be noted that if true, this would not be the first time the Blaugrana swooped in late to steal one of Chelsea's main summer targets. Xavi's side did the same with Raphinha, with the Brazilian moving to Catalonia despite the London giants' having agreed a deal with his former club Leeds – but not the winger.

But the crucial question is whether Romero's report is accurate or not. There have been conflicting reports coming out of Spain, with Mundo Deportivo writing that sources close to Sevilla claim that there has been zero contact with Barcelona while Marca report that there has not even been a bid from Joan Laporta and Co.

While Kounde is an undeniable talent, one thing remains uncertain regarding the Frenchman and that is where he will end up playing next season. Time will reveal the answer as Barcelona and Chelsea fans dream to see the 23-year-old don't their jersey.