REUTERS/Andrew Boyers
Arsenal are not in negotiations with Barcelona over a deal to sign Jules Kounde this summer despite reports, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Gunners have been rocked this summer by news that star defender William Saliba will be sidelined for an extended period of time due to a back injury, which has left Mikel Arteta's Premier League winners slightly short of options at the back ahead of the new campaign.
Reports from Spain suggested that the La Liga champions would be open to selling the France international this summer as they look to raise funds to bring in Man City star Rodri, with Arsenal reportedly keen on a deal, but Romano has shared an update from the information he has.
Romano: Arsenal Not Interested in Kounde
REUTERS/Albert Gea
Kounde, who has been described as 'unbelievable', has been a regular at the Catalan giants since joining from Sevilla in a £42m deal back in 2022, making 188 appearances.
Despite coming through as a centre-back, Kounde has now emerged as a regular at right-back for both Barcelona and France, and that versatility is understood to be something that appeals to Arteta as he looks for cover for Saliba, and potentially an exit for Ben White.
But speaking in his latest YouTube video, reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed there is no interest from the Gunners as far as he understands.
"Questions today on Jules Kounde and Arsenal," he said. "At the moment, guys, nothing advanced, for sure.
"Arsenal, what I can add to the story is that Arsenal keep looking for a center back. Arsenal are working behind the scenes on a new center back. Tottenham are not selling Romero to Arsenal. I told you this is why Romero is close to Atletico Madrid. Arsenal are still looking for a center back on the market.
"Kounde, in my personal opinion, would be a smart solution because he can be a right back, he can be a center back, so he would be a good solution for Arsenal, who probably need to cover both positions in terms of players. But we will see how many they will add. Maybe it's going to be just one.
"But at the moment, from both sides, they are not confirming any advanced negotiations for Jules Kounde to Arsenal. Should anything change, I will let you know."
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Jules Kounde La Liga Stats 2025/26
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Kounde a 'Fighter'
jules kounde
Kounde has made himself an undisputed starter at the Camp Nou under Hansi Flick with his pace and ability on the ball, and despite having a wobbly bit of form in the last campaign, he retained the faith of his manager, who described him as a 'fighter' with a 'top-notch mentality'.
With an ability to play at centre-back or right-back, Arteta will love having the 27-year-old in his squad as he fits into the profile of the rest of the side.
Piero Hincapie, Riccardo Calafiori, Jurrien Timber and Ben White are the full-back options at the Emirates Stadium currently, but all of them are capable of playing at centre-back too. Kounde would slot in seamlessly to help cover for Saliba, while there is also speculation that White could move on.
Should that happen, it may be a deal the club opt to look at, but currently they are looking at alternative options.