**Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City are all interested in signing Barcelona defender Jules Kounde, with Barcelona ready to cash in on the Frenchman.**
The Reds have just signed Ronald Araujo on loan from the Blaugrana, and while widespread reports since have suggested that will be the end of their defensive signings for the 2026 summer transfer window, a new claim from Spain would suggest otherwise.
Liverpool’s defensive depth remains questionable despite the arrival of Araujo, who is suited to Andoni Iraola’s aggressive style of play, but the Reds still lack sufficient depth at right back.
Araujo is a natural centre-back, but is capable of doing a decent job at right back, although Kounde is far better in that role. Signing the Frenchman would be an expensive proposition, given his [€375,000 per week (£320k/week) contract](https://www.capology.com/player/jules-kounde-36111/) at Camp Nou still has four years and around €62.5m in potential wages left.
Liverpool competing with Arsenal and Man City for Jules Kounde’s signature late in the window
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According to a report from the print edition of Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, via [Sport Witness](https://sportwitness.co.uk/most-interested-arsenal-willing-to-pay-substantial-fee-for-signing-liverpool-and-manchester-city-also-keen/), Liverpool are one of the major clubs vying for the chance to sign Kounde.
The report says: “_The Frenchman is on the market, and Barca aren’t hiding the fact that they would let him go if a good offer came in for all parties. He’s no longer a strategic player for the Blaugrana club, but there won’t be any move unless the player makes a move.”_
Arsenal are credited with the most advanced interest and the day after they were first linked, Kounde’s agent, Jonathan Kebe, was spotted at Barcelona’s training ground. Mikel Arteta’s side is reportedly willing to “pay a hefty fee” to get a deal done amid their injury problems in defence.
Kounde is reportedly not keen to leave, but with Barcelona making him available for transfer, that might change things. However, with just two weeks of the summer window remaining, there might not be enough time for a deal to materialise for Arsenal, Liverpool or Man City.
It’s unclear how much Barcelona would want for Kounde, but his age (27), length of contract, high wages and versatility will all factor into a likely very high fee – one that it’s difficult to envisage Liverpool paying, especially with a huge deal for Bradley Barcola in the works.