Barcelona 'make request' to Arsenal over Jules Kounde transfer

Barcelona are weighing up whether to sell Jules Kounde amid interest from Arsenal, but will wait until Ronald Araujo's future is decided before making their next move, according to reports.

The Catalan giants may be forced to listen to offers for most of their squad this summer in order to combat their financial struggles, and have added Kounde to the list of players they are willing to offload.

The versatile defender has already caught the eyes of various suitors so far this transfer window, with Mikel Arteta's Arsenal one of the clubs keen on him.

Now, as per reports from SPORT, it appears Barca would be willing to sell Kounde to Arsenal, but only if Araujo, who has been heavily linked with an exit, stays at the club.

Barcelona would expect a fee of no less than €60m for Kounde and will 'open negotiations' with the Gunners, who have fielded an enquiry, if they can convince Araujo to stay. Shifting Kounde would ease a considerable load off of Barcelona's wage bill.

Though Barca are asking Arsenal to be patient in regards to a decision on Kounde, the Gunners have also been linked with Riccardo Calafiori and may fight to secure his signature this summer instead.

Kounde, who is currently away at Euro 2024 with France, made 48 appearances for Barca during the 2023/24 season, registering two goals and four assists from the backline. His skill has carried over to the international stage, helping France gain a spot in the quarter-finals, where they will take on Portugal in a repeat of the Euro 2016 final.

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