Kounde is Barcelona's next target at they aim to strengthen the defence

At this point in mid-July, Barcelona's summer has been one of the main storylines of the transfer window.

The Catalan club aren't finished yet, as the signing of Jules Kounde is now a top priority.

Following the Catalan club's agreement to sign Robert Lewandowski, they have now turned their attention to the Sevilla defender.

It should not be forgotten that reinforcing their defence is one of the main priorities at the Camp Nou.

The back line was one of the areas that gave manager Xavi headaches last season and, despite the arrival of Andreas Christensen, the coach needs more players in the centre of defence, with Kounde the priority.

However, negotiations won't be easy for two reasons. First, because of Sevilla's demands. Second, because there are other clubs interested in the Frenchman.

Teams such as Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea also have him in their sights.

Manchester City, for the moment, are not in contention for the player's signature, although they are keeping an eye on the defender.

Kounde would cost around 60m euros

Sevilla are aware that they can make a profitable sale, with the club asking for a minimum of 60 million euros for Kounde.

A month ago, Monchi asked for patience to resolve Kounde's future, but now he has entered a decisive moment, with Barcelona currently pressing for a deal to be done.

The player, for the moment, has not yet joined Sevilla's pre-season training camp, which is in South Korea, after recovering in Los Angeles from the pubis operation he underwent in June.

The France international is one of the top players available during the current transfer window and the Blaugrana are intensifying their approach.

Barcelona are also keeping an eye on Chelsea duo Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta as possible backup options, should they fail to land Kounde.