Arsenal have identified Barcelona’s Jules Koundé as a target and are ready to make advances this summer.
That’s according to Sport, who covers why Arsenal are showing interest and Barcelona’s stance.
The France international snubbed Chelsea to join the La Liga winners from Sevilla in 2022.
Since then, there have been reports of Premier League interest at regular intervals. In April, we relayed news of the Blues, Liverpool and Manchester City having interest in the 27-year-old.
❗️El Arsenal muestra interés por el fichaje de Koundé
👀El club londinense puede ser uno de los grandes animadores del final del mercado
✍️ L. Miguelsanzhttps://t.co/mJjCB8fH57
— Diario SPORT (@sport) August 11, 2026
Arsenal are a new suitor
Fast forward to August and the Premier League champions are keen on signing the France international.
Barca are working to bring in new players while offloading some players to lighten the wage bill.
Jules Koundé could leave if there’s a convincing offer and Arsenal are closely monitoring his situation.
He returned to the club this week after a summer break and will hold talks with Hansi Flick about his future.
The manager had informed Ronald Araújo and Marc Casadó they wouldn’t have major roles next season. This convinced the Uruguayan to join Liverpool on loan while Barca want to offload Casadó.
Arsenal ready to charge
Hansi Flick has the right-back position covered with Eric García and Xavi Espart and would be open to parting ways with Jules Koundé. Barcelona could sell the Frenchman to raise funds to reshape their defence.
If the former Sevilla man were to leave, Arsenal are prepared to make a move for him.
The Catalan club ‘would accept a multi-million euro offer for Koundé.
The Frenchman mainly operated as a centre-back at Sevilla and a right-back at the Camp Nou. His style of play would suit Mikel Arteta, who is looking for a versatile defender. This would be because of William Saliba and Jurriën Timber’s injury problems.
The Gunners consider the Frenchman an alternative to Ezri Konsa, valued at €75m by Aston Villa.
Sport states: ‘Arsenal would need to convince a player whom Hansi Flick no longer considers strategic. While he was indeed important, he lost prominence last season, and the manager was going to start García in that position.’
To sum it up, Koundé isn’t a key player for Flick and Barca are open to offers. Arsenal are keen and are ready to make advances if he decides to leave.
Sportwitness
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