Chelsea Seeks Dismissal of Agent's Legal Claim

Chelsea Football Club is reportedly abandoning their pursuit of Barcelona defender Jules Kounde, having initially expressed interest as they seek a new right-back amid injury concerns with Reece James. Despite an earlier willingness to offer €60 million for Kounde, Chelsea has concluded that he is unlikely to leave Barcelona mid-season and is now considering alternatives, including Fiorentina's Michael Kayode. In a separate legal matter, Chelsea plans to have agent Saif Rubie's £3 million claim regarding his commission from Kurt Zouma's transfer to West Ham dismissed in court, asserting the case should go to arbitration as per Football Association regulations. Rubie, who insists his claim is valid since Granovskaia is no longer a football participant, believes the case should be heard in public due to ongoing investigations into Chelsea's previous ownership. Rubie's claim stems from FIFA rules that entitle agents to a percentage of transfer fees, and he has expressed disappointment over the necessity of litigation. Chelsea's current legal stance is bolstered by the FA's arbitration rules, which they argue apply to this dispute.