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Arsenal told to pay big money to sign Jules Kounde

By on August 21, 2023

Arsenal have been made aware that they will have to spend a ‘lot of money’ to sign Barcelona star Jules Kounde this summer, as per the transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

After Jurrien Timber’s serious knee issue, the Gunners have reportedly been exploring the possibility of signing a new defender to replace the Dutchman.

Several players have been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium in recent times with Timothy Castagne, Benjamin Pavard and Kyle Walker-Peters being among them. But, Kounde is now emerging as a potential option.

Writing on Caught Offside, Romano has said that he is aware of the reports regarding Arsenal’s interest in the Barcelona star to replace Timber but the Frenchman doesn’t want to relocate at the moment and is keen on staying at the Catalan giants.

The journalist further claims that if the situation changes over the coming days then Arsenal will have to offer a ‘lot of money’ to persuade Barcelona to sell their star man.

Kounde to Arsenal

Romano wrote:

“I’m aware there have been some reports of Arsenal looking at Jules Kounde as someone to replace Jurrien Timber. My understanding, however, is that both Xavi and Kounde have always been very clear, they want to keep going together at Barca, so at the moment the situation is quiet. In any case, Kounde would cost lot of money; not a cheap deal at all. I’m not aware of concrete contacts at this stage.”

Kounde is a versatile player as he is a centre-back by traits but can also be deployed in the right-back position. He is comfortable playing out from the back, good in the air, excellent in defensive contributions and also reads the game well. So, he would be an ideal signing to replace Timber if Arsenal purchase him this summer.

However, after joining the Blaugrana last summer, Kounde – valued at around £51m by Transfermarkt – still has four years left in his current contract. So, Barcelona are in a strong position to demand a big fee if they are forced to let their star man leave in this transfer window.

Having already splashed more than £200m, Arsenal aren’t expected to spend big to sign anyone this summer. So, it looks highly unlikely that they will be able to broker a deal for Kounde before the end of this window.

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