Arsenal and Chelsea emerge as 'strongest contenders' to sign France star

Barcelona defender Jules Kounde is firmly on the radar of both Arsenal and Chelsea (Picture: Getty)

Arsenal and Chelsea are closely monitoring Jules Kounde’s situation and have emerged as the ‘strongest contenders’ to sign the Barcelona defender, according to reports in Spain.

Kounde joined Barcelona with weighty expectations on his shoulders back in 2022 after catching the eye across an outstanding three-year spell with Spanish rivals Sevilla.

The 27-year-old would go on to win the league title in his debut season at the Camp Nou and has since lifted a total of seven pieces of silverware with the Catalan giants, including two further La Liga crowns.

However, speculation has been mounting over Kounde’s future in recent weeks and months, with the France international having plummeted down the pecking order under Hansi Flick.

Kounde now finds himself behind both Joao Cancelo and Xavi Espart at right-back, and three of his four appearances in the Spanish top flight this term have come from the substitutes bench.

According to Catalan newspaper SPORT, Kounde’s precarious situation has ‘not gone unnoticed’ in England, and Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool are all tracking developments.

Kounde is said to be ‘highly valued’ within the Premier League due to his vast experience both at club and international level, as well as his versatility, given he is comfortable playing at both full-back and centre-half.

Kounde finds himself on the fringes of Flick’s squad (Picture: NurPhoto/Shutterstock)

The Frenchman has made just one league start this season (Picture: DeFodi Images/Shutterstock)

Of those teams mentioned, Arsenal and Chelsea are named as the ‘strongest contenders’ to land Kounde. The Gunners are said to have first considered a move for the out-of-favour defender last summer.

It’s claimed City, United and Liverpool are ‘keeping a close eye’ for the time being, though their interest could become ‘more significant’ if Kounde remains on the periphery of Flick’s squad over the coming months.

At the time of writing, however, there have been no open negotiations or formal offers for Kounde and it’s understood Barca are in no hurry to cash in on the ex-Sevilla and Bordeaux man.

There are four years remaining on Kounde’s current deal at the Camp Nou (Picture: Getty)

The report adds that ‘only a very high offer’ would tempt the La Liga champions into agreeing a deal for Kounde in the January transfer window.

Kounde ‘wants to feel important’ while remaining a ‘relevant part of the project’ at Barca – and if it becomes clear this is not the case, he will be prepared to explore avenues elsewhere.

Should Kounde and his camp seek a move, Barca are believed to identified Sporting’s Ivan Fresneda and Tottenham’s Pedro Porro as possible replacements at right-back.

Kounde’s current contract with Barca runs through to June 2030.

Cancelo and Espart are above Kounde in the pecking order at Barca (Picture: SOPA Images/Shutterstock)

‘It’s the coach’s decision,’ Kounde told the French media earlier his week when asked about his current situation at Barca.