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Arsenal have reportedly expressed their interest in signing Barcelona defender Jules Kounde this summer. As reported by Gerard Romero via CentreGoals on X (formerly Twitter), the Gunners have established contact with the Catalan giants regarding the availability of the Frenchman.
Kounde has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League over the last few years, even before he joined Barcelona. The France international moved to Camp Nou in the summer of 2022 after making a name for himself at Bordeaux and Sevilla.
Despite making his dream switch to Barcelona, Kounde has been consistently linked with an exit from the Catalan club. It has been reported that the France international is far from happy at the club as he has been deployed mostly at right-back rather than his favoured centre-back role.
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Kounde made 48 appearances across competitions for Barcelona last season, out of which 27 were at right-back and 21 were at centre-back. He is currently on international duty with France in Euro 2024 and has started all three games for Les Bleus at right-back.
Arsenal finished second in the Premier League for the second season in a row last time out. However, the Gunners hardly had any issues defensively as they allowed the least number of goals in the league last season (29).
Aged just 25, Kounde has everything Mikel Arteta wants from his players. He is versatile, adaptable and is hugely experienced for a player of his age. Given Barca's financial struggles, Arsenal might hope to land the Frenchman for a reasonable fee.
Rio Ferdinand hails Spain international wanted by Arsenal and Barcelona
Manchester United legend turned TV pundit Rio Ferdinand has hailed Arsenal and Barcelona target Nico Williams for his exceptional showings for Spain in the Euros. The 21-year-old is one of the hottest prospects in world football right now and is being chased by some of the European elites.
Williams has been exceptional for Spain in Euro 2024 and Ferdinand has also hailed him as the 'best player of the round'. The former England defender said:
"The pace is electric. The pace is electric. I love him. I think he is the player of the round."
Williams enjoyed a fantastic season at domestic level last season with Athletic Bilbao helping them clinch the Copa del Rey. The lightning-quick winger contributed with eight goals and 19 assists in 37 appearances across competitions.
