Arsenal yet to make any concrete advances to sign Barcelona defender despite interest – Romano | OneFootball

Jules Kounde is the latest of the Barcelona stars to have rejoined training this summer after their stint at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

However, soon after rejoining training, Kounde has been linked with an exit from Camp Nou, with Arsenal among the clubs reportedly interested in his services.

It appears Mikel Arteta is looking for a versatile defender to strengthen his backline this summer and Kounde has emerged as one of the ideal solutions.

Nothing concrete from Arsenal

What’s in store for Kounde this summer? (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

That being said, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Arsenal have not made any concrete moves to sign Kounde.

Although the Italian journalist confirms that the Gunners are indeed interested in a new centre-back, nothing has been advanced between the North London giants and Barcelona over Kounde.

Romano adds that Kounde could be the ideal solution for Arteta, who is looking for a versatile option who can operate both as a centre-back and a right-back.

But for now, there is no concrete movement, as far as Kounde’s potential exit from Barcelona is concerned.

Kounde’s enigmatic role at Barcelona next season

Will Kounde be considered a centre-back next season? (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

Much of the speculation surrounding Kounde’s future at Barcelona likely stems from the fact that the defender does not have a defined role in Hansi Flick’s setup next season.

For now, it is logical to expect the French international to continue operating as Barcelona’s number-one right-back. But that is where things get interesting.

Kounde’s form last season was far from ideal. He was simply not consistent enough. To add to it, Barcelona are closing in on the capture of Joao Cancelo, who impressed as a left-back last season.

The Catalans also have way more options at right-back this season, with Xavi Espart impressing Flick in pre-season while Eric Garcia has proven himself in the past as well.

That means Kounde will face much more competition, which could lead to a possibility where he might be considered as a potential centre-back option.

With Ronald Araujo gone, Barcelona are crying out for an additional option in central defence and Kounde could fit the role effortlessly, as he considers centre-back to be his primary position.