Arsenal show interest in summer move for Barcelona defensive mainstay – report

Arsenal show interest in summer move for Barcelona defensive mainstay – report The decisive days of the transfer window are approaching, and FC Barcelona are entering a period of major movement. The club’s priorities remain the arrivals of Rodri, Julian Alvarez and Joao Cancelo, but departures are just as important as they look to create the salary-cap room needed to complete Deco and Hansi Flick’s ambitious plans. Ronald Araujo has already left, while Barcelona expect Marc Casado to depart for around €40 million in the coming days. Another player who could leave if a sufficiently attractive offer arrives is Jules Kounde. The Frenchman has returned to pre-season training, but Arsenal are closely monitoring his situation, reports SPORT . If Kounde signals that he is open to leaving, the London club would be prepared to make a move for a defender capable of operating both at centre-back and right-back. Arsenal eyeing Kounde. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images) Arteta is a fan As per the report, Mikel Arteta is a major admirer of Kounde, whose versatility makes him particularly attractive to Arsenal. The move has not progressed so far, however, because the French international only recently renewed his Barcelona contract and everything indicates that he would prefer to remain in Catalonia. There is still an important conversation to come. Kounde is expected to speak with Hansi Flick, who has already held discussions with players such as Araujo and Casado about their respective situations. That conversation could help determine what happens next. Barcelona are looking to remodel parts of their defence, but the club also need additional income. A major offer for Kounde could therefore change the equation. Barcelona could accept a big offer The challenge would be convincing Kounde to leave. Flick no longer appears to view the Frenchman as an untouchable part of his plans. Kounde remains highly valued, but his importance diminished last season, and Eric Garcia was expected to begin the campaign ahead of him in the position. Barcelona are therefore monitoring the situation rather than actively pushing the Frenchman towards the exit. Barcelona could be offers for Kounde. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) If a substantial offer arrives, however, the club would be prepared to consider it and could then use the proceeds to bring in another top-level centre-back. Ultimately, much could depend on Kounde himself. The Frenchman is under contract until 2030 and remains a highly regarded player in the Premier League , where his versatility and experience make him an appealing target. PSG and Bayern also watching Arsenal are not the only major European club keeping an eye on the situation. PSG are also considering the possibility of signing the Frenchman, although they have yet to make a concrete move and currently appear more inclined to target a younger player with development potential. Bayern Munich also have Kounde on their list, although the German club would need to sell before making another significant purchase. For now, Barcelona are waiting to see whether Arsenal or another interested club turn their interest into a formal offer.