Barcelona and Arsenal suffer blow as PSG enter race to sign EURO 2024 star - Reports
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have reportedly joined Barcelona and Arsenal in the race to sign Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich. Their pursuit of Joao Neves appears tough and they have shifted their focus to the German.
The Parisians have Portuguese midfielder Joao Neves as their first-choice target. However, as per Correio de Manha (via Canal Supporters), Benfica have rejected a €70 million bid from the Parisians. They want a fee of around €100 million, with Manchester United also interested.
Hence, PSG have now shifted their attention to Kimmich. The German's contract with Bayern Munich is set to expire next summer and he hasn't signed an extension yet. Moreover, with the Bavarians set to sign Joao Palhinha, it's looking likely that Kimmich will leave this summer.
As per Metro, Barcelona and Arsenal are also interested in signing the 29-year-old midfielder, who can also operate as a right-back. As per Transfermarkt, his market value is €50 million. PSG manager Luis Enrique appreciates the player and believe he will be a good fit for his side.
Kimmich joined Bayern from VfB Stuttgart in 2015 and has since registered 42 goals and 104 assists in 390 games for them, winning numerous trophies. Any talks regarding his future will only proceed after his participation at the UEFA Euro 2024. Germany are set to take on Spain in the quarter-finals on Friday, July 5.
Barcelona open to selling defender to Arsenal only on one condition: Reports
Arsenal have reportedly put in an inquiry regarding a potential move for Barcelona defender Jules Kounde. The Catalan club would be open to selling him as well but only if Ronald Araujo decides to stay, as per Sport (via 90min). The Uruguayan's future is up in the air and will only be cleared after the ongoing Copa America 2024.
If Araujo decides to stay, Barca would sell Kounde. However, they have set a steep transfer value of €60 million for the French defender, who can play as a centre-back or a right-back. Since arriving from Sevilla in 2022, he has made 88 appearances for Barcelona and contributed three goals and 10 assists.
The Gunners would like to sign Kounde, whose contract expires in 2027. They also have other targets on their list like Italy and Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori. They are likely to sign only one defender this summer transfer window.