Arsenal transfer for Barcelona star depends on Man Utd

Robin Bairner

3 Jul 2024 00:40 CDT
3 min read

Jules Kounde, France, Euro 2024 — © IMAGO

Arsenal’s prospects of landing Jules Kounde from Barcelona hinge on Manchester United.

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Kounde, 25, is a player that Barca do not want to see leave the club, with his strong performances with France at Euro 2024 justification of that stance.

The Camp Nou side’s poor financial performance, though, means that they have difficult decisions to make in the transfer market. As such, there are only a few players in the club – including Pau Cubarsi, Gavi, Fermin Lopez and Lamine Yamal – who they will not sell for the right price.

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Current ETV

Jules Koundé

D (C)

Barcelona

Jules Koundé

D (C)

Barcelona

ETV Range

€46M - €76.6M

Kounde to Arsenal?

According to Sport, Arsenal have already made contact with Barcelona over the possible transfer of Kounde, who can play either at right-back or in the centre of defence.

In return, Barca have asked the Gunners for time to make a response. It is encouraging for Mikel Arteta’s side that it has not been a flat ‘no’ and suggests that a deal is possible.

The move, however, hinges on centre-back Ronald Araujo, who has been linked with a move to Manchester United.

Indeed, Barcelona’s response to the Kounde question is directly related to Araujo’s future. They will not allow both players to depart.

As Sport confirms: “If Araujo is transferred, Barca will close the door on Kounde leaving, and they have already told this to Arsenal. If Araujo remains at Barca, the Blaugrana will open negotiations with the Gunners for the possible sale of the France international.”

Kounde has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €61.3 million while Barcelona have set his minimum price at €60m, though they will seek to negotiate a better deal for themselves.

The Arsenal target is under contract until 2027 and has a release clause of a €1 billion, having joined the Catalans from Sevilla two years ago for €50m after they won an almighty tug-of-war with Chelsea to sign him.