Headline: Arsenal Signs New Defender, Closing Door on Kounde’s Transfer
Barcelona’s defender Jules Kounde may remain with the club this summer after recent developments have made a potential move to Arsenal unlikely. The Gunners reportedly signed Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa for around €68 million, which effectively ends Arsenal’s interest in Kounde.
Despite being a target for Arsenal during the ongoing summer transfer window, Kounde was criticized for his inconsistent performance during the 2025/26 season, where he struggled to provide adequate defensive cover on the right side.
A report from SPORT confirmed that Kounde will not depart from Barcelona this summer. The recent signing of Konsa, who is capable of playing both centre-back and right-back, has solidified Arsenal’s defense and diminished any intention to pursue Kounde further.
Rumors regarding Kounde’s future were exacerbated by the presence of his agent, Jonathan Kebe, at Barcelona’s training facility. Complicating matters further, Eric Garcia seems to have secured the right-back position, while Xavi Espart has also been utilized in that role during preseason matches. Kounde himself has expressed that he feels more comfortable playing as a central defender rather than as a full-back.
Despite speculation, there is little indication Kounde is actively pursuing a transfer, as he has consistently articulated his intention to stay at Barça.
In June, Kounde stated clearly, “I have a contract until 2030. In my mind, it’s quite clear. I’m at Barça and I hope to stay there.”
With Ronald Araujo having been loaned out to Liverpool, it appears that coach Flick may consider Kounde as a viable option in central defense, which aligns more with his personal preferences. Kounde, who performed impressively for France during the World Cup, helping his team reach the semi-finals, aims to bring that form into the upcoming season.
While the Barcelona backline is mostly settled for the season ahead, Jules Kounde appears to be one of those players who may leave the club in the near future.
Even in the ongoing summer transfer window, the player was linked with a move away from Camp Nou, with Arsenal reportedly interested in his services.
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This came on the back of Kounde’s inconsistent 2025/26 campaign, where the Frenchman was criticised a lot for not being able to provide optimal defensive coverage on the right flank.
Arsenal move no longer an option
As reported by SPORT, a move to Arsenal is no longer a possibility of Jules Kounde this sumemr as the Gunners have recently signed a new defender.
Kounde will not leave Barcelona this summer. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
The defender in question is Ezri Konsa. Arsenal have completed a deal worth around €68 million for the versatile Aston Villa centre-back, who can operate at both centre-back and right-back, effectively closing the door on any interest in Kounde from the Emirates.
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The speculation around Kounde had been fuelled by the presence of his agent, Jonathan Kebe, at the Ciutat Esportiva.
This is coupled with a more complicated situation at right-back, where Eric Garcia now appears to be first choice, with Xavi Espart also used there by Flick during pre-season.
It is also well known that Kounde has always felt more suited to playing centrally rather than at full-back.
Kounde wants to stay
Kounde may feature as a centre-back this season. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Despite the swirling rumours, there is little indication Kounde is actively pushing for an exit, with the player having consistently made his desire to stay clear.
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Speaking in June, Kounde was direct about his future. “I have a contract until 2030. In my mind, it’s quite clear. I’m at Barça and I hope to stay there,” he said.
Notably, with Ronald Araujo having since left on loan to Liverpool, Flick may increasingly view Kounde as a genuine option at centre-back rather than purely at right-back, a role better suited to his own preference.
Kounde impressed for France at the World Cup, helping them reach the semi-finals before a fourth-place finish, and will now be eager to carry that form into the new season.
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