- 14 hours ago
Arsenal line up SHOCK €60m signing: Arteta targets Barcelona ‘STANDOUT’
Robin Bairner
- Updated: 10 Mar 2025 06:56 GMT
- 3 min read
News
Arsenal will seek to make a bargain raid on Barcelona in the summer as manager Mikel Arteta seeks to add to his squad.
While the Gunners’ main priority is landing a new centre-forward, El Nacional reports that they will also make a bid for Barca right-back Jules Kounde.
READ MORE: Benjamin Sesko talks ramp up as 'verbal agreement' reached
Current ETV
Jules Koundé
D (R)
Barcelona
Jules Koundé
D (R)
Barcelona
ETV Range
€51.9M - €63.4M
Although the versatile France international is not up for sale, Arsenal believe that the Catalan side might be pressed into a sale due to their financial position. They are willing to offer €60 million for Kounde, who has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €57.7m.
Barcelona could be willing to cash in on the player at that price if they need to fuel their own transfer spending. This look a probability at this point, with the updated Camp Nou not ready for action until next term.
READ MORE: Arsenal draw up SEVEN-MAN striker shortlist
Why do Arsenal want Kounde?
Arteta sees Kounde as a strategic signing for Arsenal because of his ability to play either right-back or centre-back to a high level. He also possesses plenty of experience at playing at the top level.
In terms of his defensive style, the boss of the Emirates side is said to admire Kounde’s distribution but also his speed when defending.
Barcelona are said to have “no clear position” on a sale of the former Bordeaux and Sevilla player, whose performances this season are said to have made him a “standout” for the Blaugrana.
While head coach Hansi Flick trusts his performances and sees him as a key figure to Barca’s defensive stability, the club needs income to strengthen other areas of the team.
Barcelona are said to expect at least €70m for Kounde yet they could accept Arsenal’s lesser bid of €60m if the circumstances are right. That likely includes finding a replacement for the France international star before he leaves.
