Arsenal made £65m bid to sign Barcelona star Jules Kounde

Arsenal have reportedly tabled a £65 million (€75m) bid to sign Barcelona defender Jules Kounde this summer, as Mikel Arteta eyes a major defensive upgrade ahead of next season.

Arsenal submit huge offer to sign ‘world-class’ defender Kounde

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, the Gunners have taken the lead in the race to land the 26-year-old French international, with London rivals Chelsea also circling.

Arsenal are keen to wrap up a deal early to avoid a potential bidding war and to strengthen a squad that has come agonisingly close to silverware in recent campaigns.

Kounde, widely regarded as “one of the best defenders in the world,” has been a consistent performer for Barcelona this season.

Under Hansi Flick, he’s racked up 49 appearances across all competitions, scoring three goals and providing eight assists — a remarkable contribution from a defender.

His versatility, capable of operating both at centre-back and right-back, is seen as a perfect fit for Arteta’s tactical flexibility.

While Barcelona have no immediate plans to sell, their ongoing financial challenges could force them to consider significant offers.

With Kounde entering the final two years of his contract this summer, the Catalan club might view this window as their best opportunity to cash in.

In La Liga alone this season, Kounde has made 31 appearances, scored twice, and added three assists, contributing to six goal-creating actions while playing 2,515 minutes.

Notably, he’s missed just 16 minutes of Champions League football all season — a testament to his fitness and importance.

The Gunners are reportedly planning multiple summer reinforcements, with a new striker and a wide forward also high on the agenda.

New sporting director Andrea Berta is said to be pushing for signings like Martin Zubimendi and Matheus Cunha, although a move for Rafael Leão seems unlikely.

For now, Arsenal’s ambitious £65m offer for Kounde signals clear intent — they want to go one better next season, and they believe the French star could be key to that push.