Arsenal and Chelsea Battle for Barcelona’s €75m Barcelona Star Ahead of Summer | OneFootball

Jules Koundé in Arsenal’s Sights as Transfer Battle with Chelsea Heats Up

Arsenal have entered the race for Barcelona defender Jules Koundé, with reports suggesting that new sporting director Andrea Berta is preparing a blockbuster bid to beat Chelsea to the punch. According to Fichajes, a summer offer of €75million (£65m) could be incoming from the Gunners as they look to reinforce their defensive options ahead of a defining 2025/26 campaign.

Arsenal’s Ambition Signals Defensive Reinforcement

Koundé has long been admired in England, with Chelsea previously attempting to bring the Frenchman to Stamford Bridge in 2022 after his standout spell at Sevilla. Their failure to land him — alongside Raphinha — was a bitter pill at the time. Since then, the 26-year-old has made 137 appearances for Barcelona, playing as both right-back and centre-half, winning a league title and two Spanish Super Cups.

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Now, it is Arsenal who are keen to make the move. With Champions League football secured and Mikel Arteta eyeing squad depth across the back line, Koundé’s versatility is a significant draw.

“Kounde could challenge Ben White and Jurrien Timber for a starting spot at right-back while also providing backup for central defenders William Saliba and Gabriel.”

Arteta reportedly sees Koundé as a “great addition” to the squad, and there’s little doubt that his tactical flexibility and Champions League experience would bolster Arsenal’s back four in both domestic and European competition.

Barcelona’s Financial Puzzle

Despite being in contention for a La Liga title under Hansi Flick and having crushed Borussia Dortmund 4-0 in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final, Barcelona are still tangled in financial knots. As Fichajes reports, the Catalan giants are considering selling Koundé to ease their economic burdens.

“Fichajes suggest that Kounde could be sold in the summer to help improve the club’s difficult financial situation.”

Barcelona paid €55m to sign Koundé from Sevilla. A €75m return from Arsenal would not only offer them a tidy profit but also bring welcome relief to their precarious financial position.

Chelsea Not Giving Up Just Yet

Chelsea, who have been tracking Koundé closely ever since their failed 2022 pursuit, are still in the frame. The Blues have a reputation for dipping back into long-standing transfer interests, and their defensive rebuild could lead them back to the Frenchman.

“The Blues are big admirers of Kounde and have continued to keep tabs on him ever since missing out on his capture three years ago.”

However, Arsenal’s proactive strategy — and the hiring of Andrea Berta, known for bold moves in the market — signals that they may now be the frontrunners.

Arsenal’s Wider Summer Plans

While Koundé is a prominent name, Arsenal are also prioritising a new striker and midfielder. With interest in Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi and ongoing talks with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, their summer window promises to be as busy as it is ambitious.

TEAMtalk has confirmed that:

“Arsenal are preparing for a blockbuster summer, with big spending on the cards.”

There’s also continued interest in Raphinha, meaning Arsenal may yet return to Barcelona for more than one high-profile name.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From an Arsenal fan’s perspective, this report stirs genuine excitement — and maybe a tinge of surprise. Koundé, still only 26, feels like an elite addition, and while he might not be the marquee forward many had hoped for, his defensive versatility can’t be overstated.

Arsenal haven’t truly had an all-rounder at the back like Koundé since the days of Lauren or an early-stage Kolo Touré. Someone who can shift between centre-back and right-back, play on the front foot, and slot in against Europe’s best — that’s exactly what Arteta craves for his evolving system.

There will be concerns, of course. Does this mean Ben White or Timber’s minutes are at risk? Could the budget for Koundé delay a striker signing? Those are fair questions. But with the Emirates hierarchy ready to spend big, fans can afford to dream that both needs are addressed.

Chelsea lurking in the shadows adds spice, but this time, Arsenal seem to be the more convincing project — younger squad, clearer identity, and a manager who knows how to develop talent. If Koundé chooses red over blue, it may be a sign that North London is the place to be once again.