Koundé moves away from Arsenal

FC Barcelona is still monitoring the future of FC Barcelona continues to monitor the future of Jules Koundé, the 27-year-old French defender, after Arsenal showed interest in his situation during this transfer window. However, Mikel Arteta's team is now very close to securing Ezri Konsa, a move that significantly reduces the possibility of the 'gunners' pursuing the Barcelona player, as confirmed by David Ornstein.

Koundé's situation drew attention after his representative, Jonathan Kebe, recently visited the Sports City. The Frenchman has a contract with Barça until June 30, 2030, after renewing in the summer of 2025, and maintains his intention to continue at the club.

FC Barcelona keeps an eye on Jules Koundé's future

Jules Koundé faces a different season within Hansi Flick's planning. Eric García has gained ground as the first choice at right-back, while the coach has also used young players like Espart in that position during the course preparation.

The Frenchman has always considered the center-back position as his natural position, although during his last seasons at FC Barcelona, he has accumulated most of his minutes at right-back. This situation reopens the debate about the role he will have during the 2026/27 season.

Koundé renewed his contract just a year ago until 2030, a deal that allows Barça to have full control over any potential negotiations. The defender expressed his desire to stay in Barcelona before the World Cup, emphasizing the duration of his bond with the club publicly.

However, his sporting situation has attracted the attention of different teams. Arsenal appeared in recent weeks among the clubs interested in a player capable of performing in both the central defense and at full-back.

Arsenal changes focus to Ezri Konsa

The English path has weakened due to Arsenal's move for Ezri Konsa. The 28-year-old English international defender is in advanced negotiations to leave Aston Villa and move to London.

Konsa has already agreed on his personal terms, and the clubs are working on the final transfer figures. Aston Villa had valued the player at around £60 million, although Arsenal has tried to lower that amount during the discussions.

This addition also addresses an immediate need for Arteta. William Saliba is sidelined with a back problem, and Jurriën Timber has also had physical issues, so the English club needed to add another defender before the start of the Premier League.

Konsa can play as a right center-back and full-back, exactly two of the positions that Koundé could cover. His arrival would, therefore, reduce the available space for another high investment in the same defensive area.

Koundé maintains his intention to stay in Barcelona

The player himself made his position clear before the World Cup. Koundé admitted that last season he fell below the level he expected of himself but also stated that his intention was to remain at Barça and honor the contract signed until 2030.

The Frenchman still needs to regain rhythm after joining the preseason later due to his participation with France in the World Cup. The French team reached the semifinals and then finished in fourth place, with Koundé maintaining his usual role as right-back.

Arsenal's acquisition of Konsa may close one of the main market opportunities that had emerged concerning the defender. The next step will now depend on his role in the initial official matches: FC Barcelona holds Jules Koundé under contract until 2030, and the scenario points to his continuation in the squad unless a new suitor appears before the end of the transfer window.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Koundé se aleja del Arsenal