Arsenal target REJECTS summer transfer

Jules Kounde has reportedly informed Arsenal of his desire to remain at Barcelona this summer.

The France international has been linked with a shock move to the Emirates Stadium in recent weeks, as Mikel Arteta looks for further defensive reinforcements, but Kounde has rejected a move to north London in favour of extending his stay at Camp Nou.

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That is according to Spanish outlet El Nacional, who claim that Kounde has told both Arsenal and Barcelona of his decision to remain with Hansi Flick’s side for another season.

Chelsea have also been tipped to act on their long-term interest in Kounde, although the Blues are currently prioritising a move for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi as they look to bring the England international back to Stamford Bridge.

Kounde has established himself as a key figure at Barcelona since the appointment of Flick last summer, and he is reportedly in talks to sign a new contract at Camp Nou.

The 26-year-old’s current deal with the Blaugrana is set to expire in 2027, but he is reportedly considered as an “untouchable” by the Barca hierarchy and an exit this summer is therefore unlikely.

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Arsenal to sign a new defender?

Although Arsenal are set to miss out on Kounde, they have identified a number of alternative targets as Arteta pushes to bring at least one new defender to the club this summer.

Nathan Collins (Brentford), Dean Huijsen (Bournemouth), Jorrel Hato (Ajax) and Murillo (Nottingham Forest) are among the defenders on Arsenal’s radar, and the north London giants may be forced to pursue a move for one of those options following Kounde’s commitment to Barcelona.

Jakub Kiwior, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takheiro Tomiyasu have all been linked with an exit ahead of the 2025 summer transfer window, while Kieran Tierney has already agreed to rejoin Celtic on a free transfer when his current Arsenal contract expires in July.