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Barcelona are working to improve their squad following a poor showing in the 2023-24 campaign. The Catalans missed out on the La Liga title as well as European glory.
They have roped in Hansi Flick to guide them back to the top. Meanwhile, Lamine Yamal wants a Spanish forward to join him at Camp Nou. Elsewhere, Manchester City have set their sights on Ronald Araujo.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from June 29, 2024.
Lamine Yamal wants Nico Williams at Barcelona
Lamine Yamal has expressed a desire to see Nico Williams in Barcelona. The Catalans are looking to add more bite to their attack this summer and are reportedly eyeing a move for Williams.
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The 21-year-old has been in sizzling form with Athletic Bilbao in the 2023-24 campaign, scoring eight goals and setting up 19 more from 37 games. He has carried that form to Euro 2024 and has shown signs of a budding partnership with Yamal for La Roja.
Speaking to SPORT, 16-year-old Yamal admitted that he enjoys a close relationship with Williams.
“Yes, I wish Nico could come to Barca. At the first meeting, I met Nico and then we became very good friends. We get along very well. You can see that on the pitch too, that we are very close, that we are very good friends. And that is the most important thing to have the connection on the pitch,” said Yamal.
Williams has previously remained coy about his future amid rumors linking him to Camp Nou. However, he has confirmed that he gets along very well with Yamal.
Speaking to La Vanguardia, however, the 21-year-old insisted that he remains focused on Euro 2024.
“(Every rumour) is good. It means I’m doing my job well. Every kid dreams of being noticed by big clubs. I’m focused on doing well at the European Championship. And whatever comes after that I’ll find out, because these days I’m totally disconnected," said Williams.
He continued:
“(Yamal and I) get along very well. We’re not just team-mates, we’re also friends, and I think that’s something that also matters when it comes to leading a team to the big time. We started talking and we saw that we had a lot of similar topics of conversation. That’s also when the banter started and now I think we have a nice relationship.”
Williams reportedly has a €58m release clause in his deal, which makes a move difficult for Barcelona, given their poor financial situation.
Manchester City eyeing Ronald Araujo
Manchester City have entered the race to sign Ronald Araujo this summer, according to journalist Marcos Benito. The Uruguayan defender has been indispensable for Barcelona in recent times, but his future remains subject to speculation.
Bayern Munich were eager to sign the player in January. Although they failed in their endeavors, they remain linked with the 25-year-old once again. Meanwhile, Araujo is also a long-term target for Manchester United, who are desperate to sign a new defender this summer.
City have now joined the race, along with Newcastle United. Pep Guardiola is looking for a new leader at the back and has set his sights on the Uruguayan. The Catalans have no desire to let him go but have struggled to tie him down to an extension.
Araujo's contract with the La Liga giants expires in 2026, so the club have time on their hands to extend his stay. However, this summer could represent the best opportunity to fetch a premium fee for the 25-year-old if he continues to stall a new deal.
Barcelona would prefer to keep Araujo at Camp Nou and are likely to demand €120m to let him go this year.
Arsenal interested in Jules Kounde, says journalist
Arsenal are planning to take Jules Kounde to the Emirates this summer, according to journalist Gerard Romero. The French defender has been a first-team regular for Barcelona in recent times, operating at right-back as well as center-back positions.
His versatility has apparently enticed the Gunners. Kounde remains a key figure for the Catalans, but they could be tempted to consider his departure to address their financial woes.
Speaking on his Twitch channel, Romero added that the La Liga giants will only let Kounde leave for a massive fee this summer.
“Arsenal are interested in Jules Kounde. Barca say he will not leave unless there’s a big offer, but they are also waiting to see what will happen with Ronald Araujo,” said Romero.
Barcelona are well stocked in attack, thanks to the emergence of Pau Cubarsi.
