Amid Barcelona’s financial struggles, the club might be forced to sell their 25-year-old French international defender, Jules Kounde, for around €60 million.
Arsenal has emerged as a potential buyer, keen to bolster their defensive line with more quality and depth. Kounde could potentially form a strong partnership with his fellow Frenchman, William Saliba, at the heart of the Arsenal defense.
Spanish publication SPORT reports that Arsenal has already reached out to Barcelona regarding Kounde’s transfer. However, Barcelona has requested some time before providing a definitive answer about the French defender’s availability. The ongoing discussions between the two clubs will be crucial in determining whether a deal can be struck this summer.
Kounde has established himself as a reliable defender in La Liga, showcasing his talents with both Sevilla and Barcelona. His proven abilities suggest that he would adapt well to the Premier League, where he could become a key player for Arsenal.
The Gunners, who have narrowly missed out on the league title in the past two seasons, are eager to strengthen their squad to compete more effectively against Manchester City and other top clubs in the upcoming season.
Adding Kounde to their ranks would undoubtedly be a significant boost for Arsenal. His versatility, which allows him to play as a full-back in addition to his central defensive role, would provide manager Mikel Arteta with valuable tactical flexibility.
This versatility is particularly appealing, as it offers additional options in case of injuries or strategic adjustments during the season.
The situation is further complicated by the potential departure of Ronald Araujo from Barcelona. The Uruguayan international has also been linked with a move away from the club this summer.
If Araujo were to leave, Barcelona would likely block Kounde’s transfer to avoid losing two key defenders in the same transfer window. This scenario adds an extra layer of uncertainty to Arsenal’s pursuit of Kounde.
Arsenal will be closely monitoring the developments at Barcelona, hoping that Araujo remains with the Catalan club. Such a scenario would improve their chances of securing Kounde’s services.
The addition of Kounde would be a strategic move aimed at enhancing their defensive stability and overall squad quality, crucial elements in their bid to challenge for the Premier League title.
