Chelsea handed transfer warning as Arsenal prepare €75m bid

Arsenal are reportedly willing to submit a €75 million summer offer for long-term Chelsea target Jules Kounde.

Mikel Arteta is set to oversee a mass squad turnover at the Emirates Stadium ahead of the 2025-26 campaign and Kounde has emerged as a potential transfer target amid his impressive form at Barcelona.

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The France international has enjoyed an immense spell at Camp Nou, but Arsenal are lining up a €75m bid in order to win the race for his signature, according to Fichajes.

The Spanish outlet claim that Arsenal will “fight” Chelsea for Kounde’s services this summer, with Enzo Maresca’s side also monitoring his situation under Hansi Flick as they prepare for yet another busy transfer window.

The Blues may, however, decide against pursuing a deal for Kounde following Maresca’s recent praise of academy starlet Josh Acheampong and the presence of both Malo Gusto and Reece James.

Kounde has made 49 appearances for Barcelona so far this season and while the Blaugrana are eager to keep him this summer, they may reportedly be forced to sell him due to their financial woes.

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Arsenal’s summer transfer plans

Although Kounde is reportedly a target for Arsenal, the Gunners are expected to prioritise other areas of their first-team squad before setting their sights on a new right-back.

The north London giants will almost certainly sign a new centre forward this summer, with Alexander Isak, Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres among those on their radar, while Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, Rosenborg wonderkid Sverre Nypan and Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia are also set to be pursued.

Meanwhile, Jorginho, Thomas Partey and Kieran Tierney are all set to leave as free agents, with Raheem Sterling and Neto also due to depart following the conclusion of their respective loan spells.

In addition, Arsenal have also been tipped to offload the likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jakub Kiwior and Takehiro Tomiyasu in order to fund their summer business.