Reports in Spain suggest that Jules Kounde wants to leave Barcelona after just one season in Catalonia, and if so, Arsenal should be among those registering an interest in the 24-year-old France international. The main team that won the LA championship. Xabi’s Liga this season After his £50 million move from Sevilla in July 2022
However, Kounde is said to have been frustrated by the fact that he has been booted largely at right-back this season. Even if it’s where he thinks of France at the World Cup in Qatar.
The Frenchman is adamant he is a centre-back and long term. He doesn’t want to play at full-back. Although it was clearly a position in which he thrived.
There were indications in the Spanish media that Kounde wanted to leave Barcelona after just one summer because he was forced to play out of position.
But as someone who has spent most of his senior career – aside from half a season with Bordeaux – in La Liga, you can sympathize with Kounde if he wants to pursue a new challenge in another country.
If Barca were to approve his exit amid suggestions they had ‘A transfer request from Kounde’ has been accepted, Arsenal should have thrown their hat into the ring.
That’s because although Koonde may not like playing at right-back, Mikel Arteta is looking to sign a defensive mix that can play at centre-back and right-back.
Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi and RB Leipzig’s Mohamed Simakan are two names currently on Arsenal’s radar.
Kounde has a similar profile and has also ticked several boxes for Arteta as he is still only 24. He will represent a signing that greatly improves Arsenal’s current options.
Arsenal want to sign someone who can compete with William. Saliba to wear his shirt as a central defender But they are also looking for alternative options at right-back, where Ben White has almost no competition.
Even if Kounde left Barcelona to play for Arsenal at full-back, it wouldn’t make sense. Because he moved away mainly for that reason. He is a classy signing that could change Arteta’s defensive line.
There is no reason why he cannot play at centre-back. Due to the number of injury problems Arsenal have faced in that position this season. As there is no guarantee that Saliba will be fit through the 2023/24 season.
Manchester City and Chelsea could rejoin the race for Kunde after making an offer for the ex-Sevilla international last summer.
This could be the true test of Arsenal’s pulling power. They have now sealed the return of Champions League football. After making big strides under their exciting manager Arteta
Arsenal’s main point here is that Barcelona will demand a premium if they agree to penalize players who leave.
Barcelona are desperate for cash as they continue to wrestle with debt and Kounde is the one who can immediately raise a large sum of money.
It could be argued that his value is now increasing after his efforts last season. where he helped Barca win the La Liga title after reaching the World Cup final against France.