Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans not eyeing Tottenham star, French ace unlikely to join Arsenal, and more - July 8, 2024
Barcelona opted for a change in management at the end of the 2023/24 campaign. The Catalans parted ways with Xavi and handed the keys of the first team to former Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick.
As far as the transfers are concerned, the Spanish giants are currently not in pursuit of a Tottenham Hotspur full-back. Elsewhere, a French defender is unlikely to move to Arsenal.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from July 8, 2024.
Barcelona not eyeing Emerson Royal, says Fabrizio Romano
Emerson Royal is not in talks to move to Camp Nou this summer, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. The Brazilian had a forgettable stint at Barcelona before moving to Tottenham Hotspur in 2021.
The Catalans are in the market for a new right-back amid the uncertainties surrounding their pursuit of Joao Cancelo. Recent reports have suggested that they have turned their attention to Emerson.
However, in his column for Caught Offside, Romano insisted that the 25-year-old is in talks to join AC Milan.
“There have been some reports about Barcelona looking to re-sign Emerson Royal from Tottenham as he could be on the move out of Spurs this summer,” wrote Romano.
He continued:
“However, I don’t have this information about Barca. As previously reported, AC Milan are in talks for Emerson – they already spoke to Tottenham but Spurs want around €20m to sell the Brazilian full-back. There’s still a gap in valuation, so let’s see what happens, but Emerson himself is keen on the move to AC Milan.”
Emerson appeared 24 times across competitions for Spurs in the 2023/24 campaign, and his contract expires in 2026.
Jules Kounde unlikely to join Arsenal, says journalist
Arsenal are not working on a move for Jules Kounde this summer, according to journalist Matteo Moretto. The French defender remains linked with an exit from Barcelona this summer.
The Catalans are looking at player sales to address their financial issues and Kounde has been deemed surplus to requirements. The 25-year-old appeared 48 times across competitions last season, mostly at right-back, and could be offloaded this year.
The Gunners are long-term admirers of the player and are in the market for a new defender this summer. Recent reports have suggested they are eyeing a move for Kounde, but Moretto has refuted those claims.
In his column for Caught Offside, the journalist added that the north London side were focused on Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori.
“At the moment, I am not aware that Arsenal have Barcelona and France defender Jules Kounde in mind for a transfer this summer,” wrote Moretto.
He continued:
“Arsenal are currently focused on Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori, and are willing to close a deal for him for around €50m, hence Kounde is not a name that is being realistically considered at the moment for the Gunners.”
Kounde is under contract with the La Liga giants until 2027.
Aleix Garcia opens up on failed Camp Nou move
Aleix Garcia has revealed that he was in talks with Barcelona regarding a move this year. The Spanish midfielder left Girona this summer to complete a move to Bayer Leverkusen.
Garcia enjoyed an impressive 2023/24 campaign at the Montilivi, scoring three goals and setting up six more from 40 games. With the Catalans already in the market for a new midfielder this year, the 27-year-old was named as an option. However, a move failed to materialize and he opted to move to the BayArena instead.
Speaking to Diari de Girona, Garcia stated that West Ham United were also interested in his services.
“There was one from West Ham. They were the only ones. If I had waited longer, maybe I could have received another one. I considered Bayer’s offer the best, because of the coach and the style of play. Playing in the Champions League was a big factor too,” said Garcia
He continued:
“Actually, there were conversations between my agent and their sporting director [Deco]. Perhaps it didn’t go any further because Barça’s situation did not allow it. If they had wanted to come and sign me, they would have come. I don’t think about it at all.”
Barcelona are reportedly eyeing a move for Joshua Kimmich to solve their midfield conundrum this summer.