According to Mundo Deportivo, Arsenal are monitoring Kounde's future. The defender's contract with Barcelona runs until 2030, and if he is open to leaving, the Gunners are willing to pursue a transfer.
Barcelona is entering a crucial stage in the transfer market, with the team focusing on signing Rodri, Julian Alvarez, and Cancelo, while also managing departures to free up salary space for Deco and Flick's ambitious plans. Araujo has already left, and Barcelona hopes to sell Casado for approximately €40 million in the coming days. If a suitable offer is received, Kounde is also one of the players who could be released. The French defender has returned to pre-season training, and Arsenal are closely monitoring his situation. If Kounde is willing to open the door to a departure, the London club will move immediately, as they are looking for a top-tier center-back who can also play as a full-back.
Arteta is very fond of versatile defenders like Kounde, but as of now there has been no substantial progress, as the player only recently renewed his contract, and indications suggest he wishes to remain at Barcelona. Nevertheless, Kounde still needs to speak with Flick. Flick has already clarified his ideas to Araujo, Casado, and others, and the final outcome will depend on future developments. Kounde returned to training today, and what happens next remains to be seen. Barcelona hopes to reorganize parts of its defense, but this requires additional income, which could come from Kounde's sale.
Currently, Arsenal have been in the market for a player who can play both as a center-back and occasionally as a right-back. Arteta likes this type of versatile player, and the Frenchman fits his style very well. Furthermore, Arsenal's defensive problems are severe this new season, with Saliba out indefinitely due to a back issue, and Timber having long-term groin problems, making it difficult to guarantee consistent appearances. The team will certainly make new signings in the coming weeks.
Arsenal initially prioritized Aston Villa center-back Konsa, but the Birmingham club quoted a price of over €75 million, which was considered too high in London. At that price, Kounde would become an important alternative, but Arsenal would still have to convince a player who is no longer considered a strategic core by Flick. Kounde was important in the past, but his playing time decreased last season, and the coach originally intended to prioritize Eric Garcia in that position.
Barcelona is currently awaiting developments and is prepared to respond. They are willing to accept a substantial offer for Kounde and then sign a top-tier center-back. Flick already has Cancelo and Balde on the left flank, and Cancelo's arrival is imminent; on the right flank, there are Eric Garcia and the young Espart, who has already greatly impressed the German coach. Everything depends on Kounde, the defender whose contract runs until 2030 and who is also highly sought after in the Premier League.
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Nikechukwu
8
No please, there are better right backs out there… he’s too error prone😪😩