Barcelona have begun sounding out a possible summer sale of right-back Jules Kounde, with Premier League pair Arsenal and Liverpool both believed to be keen on the France international, reports TEAMtalk.
Kounde, who is with the France squad for the 2026 World Cup, has become a mainstay in the Blaugrana XI though endured an inconsistent campaign as Barcelona successfully defended their crown.
As such, the Spanish giants are weighing up a potential exit while Kounde’s value is still high even if he remains a valued member of Hansi Flick’s squad.
Arsenal and Liverpool considering Kounde
And his potential availability has alerted the Premier League duo as they weigh up whether to make a move for the former Sevilla man.
Able to play at both right-back and centre-back, his versatility is an appealing trait for Gunners boss Mikel Arteta.
The Arsenal head coach is renowned for favouring defenders who are able to operate in a number of roles, with Ben White, Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie able to feature across the backline.
Additionally, Liverpool are in the market for a new right-back after Jeremie Frimpong’s indifferent start to life at Anfield.
The Dutchman moved to Merseyside last summer, but has failed to nail down the starting right-back spot.
And with Conor Bradley sidelined for the foreseeable future and routine concerns over Joe Gomez’s fitness, Liverpool may push to sign Kounde.
Liverpool have already brought in Jeremy Jacquet this summer, the Frenchman’s January move from Rennes coming into effect earlier this month.
However, Jacquet’s arrival is expected to cover Ibrahima Konate’s departure after the France star opted against renewing his Liverpool contract to sign for Real Madrid.
City interested in France international
Arsenal and Liverpool may yet face competition from Manchester City, with the Cityzens in the market for a new right-back.
City confirmed the signing of Elliot Anderson on Thursday afternoon, and attention is now expected to turn to defence.
Michael Kayode was previously a target for the Manchester side, though the Italian has since put pen to paper on a new Brentford contract.
Chelsea were also previously credited with an interest in Kounde, however they’re unlikely to move for the 26-year-old following the arrival of Marco Palestra.
