According to reports, Barcelona have turned down a significant £55 million bid from Arsenal for defender Jules Kounde.
Following a recent 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace, Arsenal’s hopes of winning the Premier League have dimmed, leaving Liverpool needing just a point to clinch the title. However, the Gunners’ Champions League triumph over Real Madrid, with a dominant 5-1 aggregate win, has lifted spirits at the Emirates.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has promised an active summer transfer window. “It’s going to be a big one and we are very excited about it,” Arteta said. “The way we planned the five first summers, they were going to be very big and they were going to have different objectives… But now when you are going to go again, we want to increase the depth of the squad but as well we want to increase the quality and the skills that we need to go to the next step.”
Spanish sources claim that Arsenal made a swift move for Kounde with an initial €65 million (£55m) offer, which was immediately rejected by Barcelona. Club president Joan Laporta dismissed the proposal from North London, with suggestions that Arteta “has become obsessed with” the French international.
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick views Kounde as an essential part of his squad. The 25-year-old, who can play both as a centre-back and right-back, has been a consistent performer this season as Barca lead the La Liga table with five matches remaining.
Arsenal are reportedly impressed by the former Sevilla and Bordeaux star’s performances and attempted to test Barcelona’s resolve with a big-money offer.
However, the report adds that both Laporta and sporting director Deco have made it “absolutely clear” that Kounde is not for sale. Furthermore, the player himself is not seeking a move, as he feels content with the project under Flick and is expected to sign a contract extension beyond his current 2027 agreement.
