A Premier giant intensifies efforts for a Barça defender

Arsenal would be willing to make a new offer for Jules Koundé in the upcoming winter market. In England, various media outlets claim that Mikel Arteta has requested again for the signing of the culé '23', one of the defenders in the best form this season. Initially, the London club could make a move for the Parisian with 40 million euros net.

The 'gunners' are looking to take advantage of the financial urgencies of a Barça still struggling with LaLiga's financial 'Fair Play' with a low offer, as their goal is to entice Koundé with a contract much higher than the one he signed with the culés in 2022. The center-back turned full-back earns around 13.5 'kilos' net per year in Catalonia, a high figure for a defender. In that sense, the Frenchman would have no compelling reasons to request his departure.

Arsenal's offer for Koundé, insufficient for Barça

Likewise, for Barça, the first 'gunner' offer for the Parisian does not even come close to the minimum amount the culés would accept to let go of the '23'. The azulgrana team closed Koundé's transfer in 2022 for 50 'kilos' net, plus another 12.5M in variables. The French international is valued at around 55M on Transfermarkt and in Barcelona, they would hardly consider his transfer for less than 60 million euros.

Jules has a contract until June 2027 and a release clause of 1,000 'kilos'. In 2024, the Frenchman has established himself as one of the best right-backs in the world, although during Xavi Hernández's cycle he complained about having to get used to playing on the side. This season, the 26-year-old defender has seen action in all matches of the season (1,975 minutes in 24 matches), with only a couple of substitutions (due to disciplinary punishment) in La Liga.