Arsenal eye Barcelona defender Jules Koundé this summer

Arsenal have identified Barcelona defender Jules Koundé as a primary transfer target. The London club is ready to advance with an offer for the France international during the current summer window.

Barcelona are currently working to offload players to reduce their wage bill and raise funds for defensive restructuring. The Catalan club is willing to accept a multi-million euro offer for Koundé. Hansi Flick has indicated that the defender is no longer a strategic priority for the squad, as the manager intends to use Eric García and Xavi Espart in the right-back position.

Koundé, who joined Barcelona from Sevilla in 2022, has transitioned from a centre-back to a right-back at the Camp Nou. His versatility is a key factor for Mikel Arteta, who requires defensive options due to injury concerns involving William Saliba and Jurriën Timber. The Gunners view the 27-year-old as a viable alternative to Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa, who is valued at €75m.

While Koundé was previously a significant figure at the club, he lost prominence during the last season. He has recently returned from a summer break and is expected to hold discussions with Hansi Flick regarding his future at the club. Barcelona's willingness to sell follows similar moves involving Ronald Araújo and Marc Casadó, who are both moving on from the squad.

Arsenal have monitored the Frenchman for some time, following previous interest from Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester City. If a convincing proposal is made, Barcelona are prepared to facilitate the move to help reshape their defensive unit.