Arsenal keeping an eye on Koundé

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23/08/26 21:30:00

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Arsenal is considering making an offer to FC Barcelona to transfer Jules Koundé, a 27-year-old defender, in these last three weeks of summer. Arsenal's transfer market focus is on strengthening their defensive rotation.

After ruling out Ezri Konsa due to Aston Villa's demand of 60 million pounds (75 million euros), Mikel Arteta sees the French international as a priority to cover for William Saliba's back injury, with Barcelona willing to sell the player for an amount exceeding the 55 million euros paid to Sevilla in 2022.

🚨 Arsenal are keeping a close watch on Jules Kounde's situation at Barcelona.

The Gunners are ready to make a move if the French defender becomes open to leaving Barca.

Mikel Arteta views Kounde as an attractive option as Arsenal look to strengthen their defence.

(Source:… pic.twitter.com/VEAHnNzrjf

— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) August 11, 2026

Mikel Arteta's Defensive Needs and Arsenal's Squad Changes

The urgency for Arsenal to bring in a versatile defender stems from Saliba's lengthy absence and Jurriën Timber's chronic groin issues. Arteta requires a player capable of performing both as a center-back and a right-back, a role Koundé fits alongside first-team players like Ben White, Riccardo Calafiori, and Piero Hincapié.

The London club deems investing over 60 million pounds in Konsa economically unfeasible. Therefore, the British management redirects its focus towards the FC Barcelona player, who is under contract at Camp Nou until June 2030.

FC Barcelona's Stance and Koundé's Relationship with Hansi Flick

The sale of the French player on the Catalan side would provide salary cap relief following the loan of Ronald Araujo and the ongoing departure of Marc Casadó for 40 million euros. Hansi Flick does not consider the 27-year-old player untouchable after losing his starting spot in the last phase of the previous season, planning to start LaLiga with Eric García and the young Xavi Espart on the right flank.

Adding to this sporting context is the defender's discontent with his position on the field. Koundé joined pre-season training on Monday, August 11, 2026, seeking to meet with Hansi Flick and demand a return to the center of defense, refusing to continue playing as a right-back, a role in which he started for France in the last World Cup.

Arsenal's management will hold formal discussions with Jules Koundé's agents during this August week to gauge his willingness to make the leap to the Premier League. If the player accepts the London club's proposal, Arsenal will submit a written offer to FC Barcelona surpassing the 55 million euros threshold to finalize the deal before the third week of August.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Arsenal, pendiente de Koundé