The Gunners have reportedly made enquiries about French defender Jules Koundé, according to the press.
FC Barcelona have always maintained that they do not need to make a major sale this summer, but the rumours circulating in the Catalan capital seem to indicate otherwise. This could allow Arsenal to strengthen their defence.
The Gunners are said to have made enquiries about French defender Jules Kounde, who has played a key role for Barcelona over the last two seasons but mostly as a right-back rather than in his preferred position of centre-back. Sport report that the club have asked Arsenal to be patient.
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If the Blaugrana fail to secure the sale of Ronald Araujo this summer, they would then open the door to Kounde’s departure. The Frenchman remains one of the club’s most valuable assets, with a salary of around €13 million gross per year. If Araujo leaves, Barcelona will not accept any offers for him.
So far, Kounde has made his desire to stay at the club clear, but Arsenal are certainly an attractive project at the moment. It would make more sense for Barcelona to sell Araujo this summer. With negotiations seemingly stalled and his contract expiring in 2026, the Blaugrana will not want to be forced to sell him on the cheap next summer.
