Amid their difficulties with Financial Fair Play, Barcelona have signalled to Arsenal that may actually be prepared to sell one of their stars.
In the past, Arsenal have become accustomed to losing some of their best players to Barca, the likes of Thierry Henry and Cesc Fabregas.
But in 2024 under Mikel Arteta, the Gunners are a different proposition, a club in a strong financial position with lofty aspirations.
Owing to the move to the Emirates Stadium, Arsene Wenger was often powerless to losing his best players – a situation that has thankfully changed.
Even so, when it recently became apparent that Arsenal were interested in signing Barcelona defender Jules Kounde, it felt a little bit like a pipe dream.
Kounde is an important starter for the Catalan club, and is showing all of his ability at Euro 2024 with France right now.
However, a new report from Sport in Spain has just shared that Arsenal may actually stand a serious chance of signing the ‘fantastic’ defender, who will cost at least £51m.
Barcelona willing to sell Jules Kounde to Arsenal on one condition this summer
The report details that Barcelona are enduring a ‘delicate economic situation’ right now, and are looking for a solution this summer.
Barca only consider six players off-limits to a sale: Marc Andre Ter Stegen, Hector Fort, Pau Cubarsi, Gavi, Fermin and Lamine Yamal.
The rest, including Kounde, Barcelona would be willing to listen to offers for.
And whilst the Spanish side are counting on Kounde as part of their project, they could entertain Arsenal’s advances.
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Barca’s willingness to sell Kounde to Arsenal is said to hinge on the future of Ronald Araujo.
If Araujo stays, Barcelona would consider selling Kounde to Arsenal, but if the Uruguayan leaves, the Gunners will need to look elsewhere for a new defender.
Barcelona have made it clear to Arsenal that Kounde will not leave for less than €60m – a very reasonable sum for a 25-year-old at the top of his game.
Perhaps this timeline will suit Arsenal too, who may see Kounde as more of an opportunistic luxury signing, rather than a profile they desperately need.
But should Kounde arrive, he would transform Arteta’s options at the back, able to dovetail with William Saliba at centre-back and Ben White on the right.
And despite Saliba’s excellent performances at Euro 2024, Kounde certainly hasn’t looked his lesser – demonstrating his rich ability.
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