Chelsea eye Barcelona star with Arsenal also interested - Reports
Premier League clubs Chelsea and Arsenal are reportedly looking to sign Barcelona's Jules Kounde in the January transfer window. The Frenchman has been in top form since joining the Catalan giants in 2022, establishing himself as one of the first names on the team sheet for the club.
According to journalist Graeme Bailey (via TBR Football), Chelsea are searching for a right-back owing to the incessant injury concerns of club captain Reece James. The right-back has been a long-absentee for the club, having not made an appearance since being sent off against Brighton & Hove Albion on May 16.
As per Football365, Mikel Arteta's side are willing to spend €50 million to bring Kounde to the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal already have a stellar backline, having conceded the least number of goals (29) in the last Premier League season.
Mikel Arteta reportedly desires more depth in the defense with Kounde deemed to be the perfect candidate to improve the team. Despite the interest, it is likely that Kounde will not leave the Catalan club and is considered a non-transferable asset by manager Hansi Flick.
Jules Kounde is one of only four players to have played every single minute under Hansi Flick's tutelage, highlighting his importance at the club. Kounde's contract doesn't run out until the summer of 2027 and it doesn't seem like Barcelona will part with the Frenchman anytime soon.
Chelsea star Noni Madueke believes Arsenal's Bukayo Saka is better than Barcelona's prodigy Lamine Yamal
Chelsea winger Noni Madueke picked Arsenal's Bukayo Saka over Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal when asked to choose between the two.
Lamine Yamal has been one of the brightest La Masia graduates in recent years and has cemented his place in Barcelona and the Spanish national team after a string of match-winning performances.
Yamal was a regular starter for Barcelona last season, scoring seven goals and creating nine more in 50 games across competitions. He was also instrumental in Spain's Euro 2024 victory, assisting four times and scoring a crucial goal against France in the semi-final.
Bukayo Saka, meanwhile, was one of the standout players for Arsenal last season, recording 20 goals and 14 assists in 47 games across competitions. The Englishman also got a goal and an assist in Euro 2024, helping the Three Lions reach the final.
When asked to choose between the two players in an interview (via TBR Football), Madueke commented:
"Saka."
Both Yamal and Saka have started the new season extremely well. In four Premier League games, Saka has recorded a goal and four assists for the Gunners. Meanwhile, Lamine Yamal has a whopping seven goal contributions (three goals and four assists) in five La Liga games for Barcelona.