Barcelona have reportedly identified Arsenal defender William Saliba as a potential alternative for primary target Jules Kounde.
According to Gerard Romero on Jijantes, as relayed by Mirror, Barcelona have prepared a five-man shortlist as possible alternatives for Sevilla star Jules Kounde. The Frenchman is reportedly on the verge of joining Chelsea, leaving the Blaugrana to explore other options, with Arsenal defender William Saliba emerging as one among them.
Barcelona’s interest in Kounde is no hidden secret. The Catalans are on the lookout for another quality centre-back despite adding Andreas Christensen this summer. And they have identified the 23-year-old Kounde as their primary target to reinforce their backline and eventually take over from Gerard Pique at Camp Nou.
Kounde is believed to be keen on a move to Barça, with the two parties understood to have reached an agreement over personal terms. However, Barcelona are yet to make a formal offer, and Sevilla are thus closing in on agreeing a transfer with Chelsea, who have already had an offer rejected for the French ace but have returned with an improved offer worth around £55 million.
It has left Barcelona staring at the possibility of missing out on Kounde, forcing them to put in place a Plan B. And as per the report, the Blaugrana have identified several potential alternatives, with the list including Arsenal youngster William Saliba.
Chelsea have submitted a new bid for Jules Koundé today: £55m fee, very good payment terms. Talks now ongoing with Sevilla on structure of the bid. ?? #CFC
Koundé, still in direct talks with both Chelsea and Barcelona on personal terms – while clubs are discussing on details. pic.twitter.com/PwsYtDeTlv
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 20, 2022
The Frenchman joined Arsenal from Saint-Etienne in 2019 before returning to his boyhood club on loan for the remainder of the season. He returned to the Emirates in 2020, but after struggling for game-time at the Emirates, the 21-year-old joined Nice for the second half of the 2020/21 campaign.
Following that, Saliba was again sent out on loan last season, with the centre-back spending a successful year at Marseille, helping them finish second in Ligue 1. The Frenchman’s performances have led to Marseille wanting him on a permanent transfer, while Atletico Madrid have also shown an interest in the 21-year-old centre-back.
Now Barcelona have also joined the pursuit of Saliba as they see the Frenchman as an ideal alternative for his compatriot Kounde. However, signing the 21-year-old could be difficult as Mikel Arteta has claimed that the young centre-back is very much in his plans for the upcoming season. Saliba has insisted that he is ready to fight for a spot at the Emirates this season.
So, Barcelona might have to try their luck with the other names on their shortlist, which includes AS Roma’s Roger Ibanez and RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol among others.
Absolutely no reason why Saliba should cost any less than Kounde. Also, Barca can’t pay their existing players – they should think about that before buying any new ones.