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Arsenal and Liverpool are keen on 27-year-old Barcelona defender Jules Kounde. The Gunners are prioritising a defensive reinforcement following William Saliba's injury, while Barcelona are willing to listen to offers.

French defender Jules Kounde, playing for Spanish giants Barcelona, has emerged as a target for top clubs in the English Premier League. According to reports from Mundo Deportivo and SPORT, London’s Arsenal and Liverpool are leading the chase for the 27-year-old.

Despite having a contract with the Catalan club until 2030, Kounde's status under manager Hansi Flick has shifted, leading Barcelona to be open to selling the player should a substantial offer come in.

Why Premier League clubs are interested

  1. Arsenal (Favourites to land the player): The North London side is currently grappling with defensive issues, particularly due to injuries to William Saliba and Jurriën Timber. Gunners boss Mikel Arteta holds Kounde in high regard for his versatility, able to play both centre-back and on the right flank. The club’s hierarchy is prepared to invest significantly to secure his services.
  2. Liverpool: The Merseysiders are also on the hunt for options to bolster their squad depth. With the return of Giovanni Leite following a serious injury and the ongoing injury woes of Joe Gomez, the Reds are in need of a reliable and versatile defender.

Kounde, who has made a name for himself in La Liga with spells at Sevilla and Barcelona, is reportedly keen on securing guaranteed playing time and may view the opportunity to test himself in the English league positively.