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Arsenal strongest contenders to sign Jules Kounde

By on October 6, 2026

Arsenal are reportedly the strongest contenders to sign Barcelona defender Jules Kounde, as per Spanish outlet Sport.

Impressed by the 27-year-old’s performances for Sevilla, the Blaugrana bought him back in 2022. He was a centre-back at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán but has played as a right-back at Camp Nou.

Kounde featured regularly for Barcelona over the last four years, helping them win three La Liga titles and a few domestic cup competitions. However, he has found himself on the periphery this season. Still, the defender has continued to be a key man for the French national squad.

Now, Sport report that Arsenal made a move to sign Kounde this summer but ultimately failed to secure his services. Apart from the Gunners, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Liverpool have been keeping a close eye on his situation.

However, the North London club and the West London club are the strongest contenders to purchase him. With his existing deal set to run until 2030, Kounde doesn’t want to leave, and Barcelona aren’t in a rush to part ways with him.

But the Catalan giants might be open to letting him leave should they receive a lucrative proposal, with the French international valued at around £47m by Transfermarkt.

Kounde is quick, strong, good in the air, comfortable playing out from the back, and is efficient in defensive contributions. He is a talented player and is currently at the prime stage of his career. Therefore, he might be a shrewd acquisition for Arsenal should they purchase him.

Kounde to Arsenal

Arsenal currently have Ben White and Jurrien Timber as right-back options, but the Englishman has struggled with fitness problems in recent years. On the other hand, Timber has also had a few injury issues since joining from Ajax Amsterdam.

Cristhian Mosquera and Ezri Konsa can also provide cover in the right-back position if needed, but they have mainly featured as a centre-back under Mikel Arteta.

As a result, it appears the Emirates club have started exploring options to strengthen the right-back position. However, it is going to be interesting to see whether the North London club eventually manage to secure Kounde’s services by defeating other clubs in this race.