Chelsea are now planning to strengthen their defence during the January transfer window, after looking shaky at the back during the opening stages of the season.

It has been far from an ideal start to the Xabi Alonso era, with the Blues conceding 12 goals in their opening five Premier League matches, the highest number of any side, and Gary Neville was critical of their defensive display in the 2-1 defeat against Arsenal.

Neville said: "The back three, when I watch them, it's almost like their legs aren't connected to their hips and the hips aren't connected to their bodies. It's almost like they're a bit all over the place.

"Maybe Chelsea will need to actually recruit more players as they move on through the next year or two with Alonso. He's done a lot already. He's just needs to get a back three that feels solid. They don't look solid, they look like they're a little bit all over the place. So that's the main thing right now."

Alonso's side were particularly poor defensively in the 3-0 defeat at Brentford prior to the international break, which was a fully deserved loss, given the number of chances they allowed the hosts to create.

As such, the Spaniard may need to improve his defence in the upcoming transfer window, and a La Liga star has now emerged as a target.

Chelsea planning January move for FC Barcelona star Jules Kounde

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Chelsea are now plotting a January move for Jules Kounde, with FC Barcelona prepared to sanction a departure, given that the defender has fallen behind the likes of Eric Garcia and Joao Cancelo in the pecking order.

Alonso has personally approved a move for Kounde, with the manager eager to bolster his options at right-back, given that Malo Gusto's future at Stamford Bridge is up in the air.

Interestingly, the Frenchman is said to be keen on a move to Stamford Bridge, having come close to joining the Blues in the past, but there could be competition in the race for his signature, with Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City also named as potential suitors.

Celebrated as "one of the best defenders in the world" by his former Barcelona boss Xavi, the 27-year-old could make an instant impact at Chelsea, given that he is vastly experienced at the highest level, making 47 appearances in the Champions League, while also winning three La Liga titles during his time at the Camp Nou.

Hansi Flick has previously praised the France international's consistency too, with the Barcelona boss saying: "Kounde is unbelievable. Every three days, he performs at the highest level. We don’t even think about taking him off. He’s 100% fit and keeps delivering in every match."

Kounde's versatility is an added bonus, given that he is capable of playing at right-back or centre-back, but his wage demands could be very high, considering he rakes in £257,000-a-week at Barcelona.