Arsenal unlikely to sign 25-year-old Barcelona superstar despite recent transfer links - Reports
According to journalist Matteo Moretto, Arsenal are unlikely to sign Barcelona defender Jules Kounde despite recent reports linking them with a move for the Frenchman. A report from SPORT had claimed that the Gunners had made enquiries about Kounde and were looking to take advantage of the Blaugrana's financial troubles.
The Catalan giants have been in dire financial condition for the past few years and might need to sell some players this summer to balance their books. Kounde is reportedly considered expendable by Barca and they could accept a suitable offer for the Frenchman.
However, according to Moretto, the Gunners are not interested in a move for Kounde at the moment.
Earlier this summer, Kounde had addressed the reports linking him with an exit, stating emphatically that he will remain at Barcelona. He wrote (via X):
"To be clear: at no time did I ask to go out, therefore I am not going anywhere."
The defender has had an impressive time at Barcelona, where he has won two trophies since his move in the summer of 2022 after spending three years at Sevilla.
Arsenal transfer target tipped for eventual Barcelona switch
Arsenal are reportedly planning to sign Bologna centre-back Riccardo Calafiori this summer, after completing David Raya's permanent transfer. The Gunners are looking to secure their back-line as they look to challenge for the Premier League title again in 2024-25, and they see Calafiori as a good option.
According to former Fiorentina midfielder Massimo Orlando, he won't spend too long at the Emirates Stadium, with a move to Barcelona or Real Madrid on the cards. Orlando stated in an interview with Tuttomercatoweb (via HITC):
“Arsenal are definitely (getting) a bargain. For the game he plays, Calafiori is a perfect match (for The Gunners). In a few years, maybe he’ll go to Barcelona or Real Madrid.”
A report from journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed that the Gunners are close to completing a deal for Calafiori, having already agreed on contract terms with the defender.
The 22-year-old had an impressive 2023-24 season in Serie A as he scored twice and provided five assists in 30 league games. He also impressed with Italy in the ongoing European Championships before they were knocked out by Switzerland in the Round of 16.