Arsenal join Chelsea in €75m race to sign Barcelona star: Reports

Modified Apr 14, 2025 19:56 GMT

(L-R): Enzo Maresca, Hansi Flick, and Mikel Arteta

Arsenal have reportedly joined Chelsea in the race to sign Barcelona defender Jules Kounde in the summer transfer window. According to a report from Fichajes.net, the Gunners are willing to pay €75 million in order to bring the France international to north London (via CaughtOffSide).

Additionally, the Blaugrana are said to be considering the sale of the defender due to their poor financial situation. Kounde still has two years left on his contract with the Catalan outfit.

He would certainly add depth at the Emirates, given his versatility in operating at right-back and in central defensive positions. However, Kounde may have trouble finding a starting position under Mikel Arteta.

Gabriel and William Saliba are sure shot starters at centre-back, while Jurrien Timber seems to be the favorite at right-back. Ben White is also available to provide competition to the Barcelona man despite his injury-stricken season this time out.

Amid these issues, Kounde may prefer joining Chelsea, who could be losing Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile in the summer. Therefore, there is an opportunity to become a starter at Stamford Bridge.

That being said, Arsenal are likely to finish second in the Premier League this year, higher than Chelsea. They are also set to qualify for the UEFA Champions League semi-final, holding a 3-0 lead against Real Madrid after the first leg of the quarter-final.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are sixth on the league table, a point behind fifth-placed Manchester City, who occupy the final Champions League spot. As for Kounde, he's made 49 appearances across competitions this campaign, bagging three goals and eight assists.

Barcelona name asking price for superstar forward, amid Arsenal and Chelsea interest - Reports

Barcelona are reportedly set to demand at least €80 million for their attacker Raphinha amid interest from Arsenal and Chelsea. News from Catalunya Radio claims that the Blaugrana are willing to part ways with the Brazilian, with two years left on his deal if such an offer comes their way (via Metro).

This may seem surprising with the 28-year-old being discussed as a potential Ballon d'Or candidate this year. He's having one of his best seasons having made 46 appearances across competitions, bagging 28 goals and 22 assists.

Barcelona are also headed for the Champions League semi-final, holding a 4-0 lead over Borussia Dortmund after the first leg of the quarter-final. They could also win LaLiga, sitting top at the moment and four points clear of second-placed Real Madrid.

About the author

Rahul has been a European football journalist for Sportskeeda since 2023. A B.B.A. L.L.B. graduate, he captained his university football team and also played for Boca Juniors Football School during his initial years, and also coached his university's girls team. He always aims to translate his tactical awareness, knowledge of the sport and first-hand experience into well-researched articles for his readers.

A follower of the beautiful game since 2014, Rahul is an avid Arsenal and a match-going Bengaluru FC fan. His favorite footballer is Mesut Ozil due to his love for nimble-footed playmakers, while his favorite manager is the legendary Arsene Wenger owing to the Frenchman's attractive style of football.

Rahul, whose favorite FIFA World Cup moment is Lionel Messi lifting the trophy in 2022, has interviewed grassroots expert Tom Byer in the past and gained insight into Japanese football. He also believes Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland can rule the footballing world and take Ronaldo and Messi's place.

When he is not writing, Rahul likes to spend his time playing football, following the Indian Super League and watching other sports. He is also a huge cricket fan and supports Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

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Edited by Rahul Naresh