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Arsenal planning £55m raid for Barca defender
Arsenal are planning to test Barcelona’s resolve this summer by launching a £55m bid for defender Jules Kounde, according to the Sun.
Kounde has a been star performer for the La Liga frontrunners, also scoring in their Copa Del Ray triumph over Real Madrid.
The France international joined Barcelona from Sevilla in 2022. He won the La Liga title in his first year at the club and will look to add another this season with Barca four points clear at the top with five matches to play.
Also a Europa League winner with Sevilla in 2020, he will look to do one better by lifting the Champions League crown with Barca this season. The Blaugrana are vying for a place in the finals, drawing their semi-final first leg tie with Inter 3-3.
In fact the finals could see a matchup between Barcelona and Arsenal with both clubs still alive in their respective semi-final ties. If the rumours are true, Kounde could get a glimpse of his reported future club up close and personal.
Arsenal interested in Kounde
As with all unconfirmed rumours, this one should be taken with a grain of salt. Arsenal’s only confirmed targets thus far are attacking options, with a new striker and winger said to be high on Arteta’s wish list. New Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is said to have made contact with the representatives of Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams and Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokores.
Kounde could be of use to Arsenal still, with question marks surrounding the futures of several fringe Arsenal defenders. Kieran Tierney and Takehiro Tomiyasu are expected to depart this summer after injury ravaged Arsenal careers so far. Tierney in particular is out of contract this summer and so far has not been offered a new deal.
Jakob Kiwior is another who before recently found himself on the fringes at Arsenal. The Poland international has stepped up in the absence of Gabriel and has performed admirably. He may seek more first team football in the future and could be of interest to teams who can offer him guaranteed minutes.
The same can possibly be said for Ben White, who has found himself on the outskirts of the first team after suffering a long term injury earlier this season.
Should any of these names leave the club, Arsenal will be on the market for a replacement and Kounde can fill a void in multiple positions across the backline.
