Whereas the Barcelona backline is usually settled for the season forward, Jules Kounde seems to be a kind of gamers who might go away the membership within the close to future.
Even within the ongoing summer season switch window, the participant was linked with a transfer away from Camp Nou, with Arsenal reportedly interested by his companies.
This got here on the again of Kounde’s inconsistent 2025/26 marketing campaign, the place the Frenchman was criticised lots for not having the ability to present optimum defensive protection on the fitting flank.
Arsenal transfer not an possibility
As reported by SPORT, a transfer to Arsenal is not a chance of Jules Kounde this sumemr because the Gunners have not too long ago signed a brand new defender.
The defender in query is Ezri Konsa. Arsenal have accomplished a deal price round €68 million for the versatile Aston Villa centre-back, who can function at each centre-back and right-back, successfully closing the door on any curiosity in Kounde from the Emirates.
The hypothesis round Kounde had been fuelled by the presence of his agent, Jonathan Kebe, on the Ciutat Esportiva.
That is coupled with a extra difficult scenario at right-back, the place Eric Garcia now seems to be first selection, with Xavi Espart additionally used there by Flick throughout pre-season.
It is usually well-known that Kounde has all the time felt extra suited to enjoying centrally relatively than at full-back.
Kounde desires to remain
Regardless of the swirling rumours, there’s little indication Kounde is actively pushing for an exit, with the participant having constantly made his need to remain clear.
Talking in June, Kounde was direct about his future. “I’ve a contract till 2030. In my thoughts, it’s fairly clear. I’m at Barça and I hope to remain there,” he mentioned.
Notably, with Ronald Araujo having since left on mortgage to Liverpool, Flick might more and more view Kounde as a genuine option at centre-back relatively than purely at right-back, a job higher suited to his personal choice.
Kounde impressed for France on the World Cup, serving to them attain the semi-finals earlier than a fourth-place end, and can now be keen to hold that kind into the brand new season.
