Arsenal’s defensive plan hinges on Jules Kounde’s Barcelona future

Arsenal are monitoring Jules Kounde’s situation at Barcelona as they search for defensive reinforcements, with Mikel Arteta keen on a player capable of operating both at centre-back and right-back.

The France international has joined Barcelona’s pre-season training, but his future remains uncertain. According to Sport, Arsenal are watching developments closely and would be prepared to make a strong move if Kounde indicates he is open to leaving the Catalan club.

Arteta is understood to be a major admirer of Kounde’s versatility. However, there has been no progress in negotiations so far, particularly because the defender recently renewed his Barcelona contract and all indications suggest he would prefer to remain at the club.

Kounde is contracted to Barcelona until 2030 and continues to command significant respect in the Premier League. The final decision could therefore rest with the player, although Barcelona are prepared to consider a substantial offer if it helps finance a wider restructuring of their squad.

Barcelona’s transfer activity is entering a decisive phase. The club are currently focused on strengthening their squad with Rodri, Julian Alvarez and Joao Cancelo, while also attempting to move several players on. Those departures are regarded as essential to creating room within the wage cap and allowing the ambitious recruitment plans led by Deco and Hansi Flick to proceed.

Barcelona have already agreed to the departure of Ronald Araujo and hope to conclude Marc Casado’s transfer in the coming days for about €40m. Kounde is also among the players the club could allow to leave if a suitable financial offer arrives.

Barcelona want to make changes to their defence, but doing so will require additional income. A sale of Kounde could provide that funding and enable the club to pursue a top-level replacement.

Although Kounde has been an important player for Barcelona, his role diminished during the previous season. Flick was increasingly moving towards using Eric Garcia as the first-choice option in that position, suggesting Kounde may no longer be viewed as a strategic part of the German manager’s project.

Kounde is still waiting to hold a meeting with Flick, who has already explained his position to several members of the squad, including Araujo and Casado. The outcome of that discussion could prove significant in determining whether the defender stays at Barcelona or considers a move to London.

Arsenal’s need for defensive cover has become more pressing because of concerns over their current options. William Saliba is out for an unspecified period with a back problem, while Jurrien Timber continues to deal with chronic issues in the thigh area that make regular involvement difficult.

That situation means Arsenal are expected to recruit a new defender in the coming weeks. Their principal target had been Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa, but Villa are demanding more than €75m for the England defender. Arsenal consider that valuation excessive and unsuitable for the current transfer market.

If Aston Villa maintain their asking price, Kounde could become a more prominent option for Arsenal. The London club would nevertheless need to persuade the player to leave Barcelona, especially as he has only recently signed an extended contract.

Should Kounde depart, Flick would still have alternatives on the left side of defence, with Cancelo’s move to Barcelona described as close to completion alongside Alejandro Balde. On the right, Barcelona could use Eric Garcia or the young Xavi Espart, who is highly regarded by Flick.

Barcelona are therefore prepared to respond to any development, including a major offer for Kounde that would allow them to reinvest in a high-quality defender. For now, however, the player’s preference and his meeting with Flick remain central to the outcome.

Related reports have also followed other Barcelona and Arsenal stories, including Lamine Yamal’s reaction to an earthquake in Colombia after he had left the area before the disaster, while a former Chelsea player mocked Arsenal in connection with Vinicius Junior. There is also uncertainty surrounding a possible return for Lionel Messi to the United States.