Manchester City enters the competition to sign Jules Kounde
Jules Kounde is the subject of interest from Manchester City, according to a report by the Spanish outlet SPORT. In the competition to sign the disgruntled Barcelona defender, the Premier League champions have entered. The French player is also a target for Chelsea, Manchester United, and Arsenal.
When he transferred from Sevilla to Barcelona last summer, Jules Kounde anticipated being Gerard Pique’s long-term replacement. The 24-year-old is currently playing as a temporary right-back by Xavi Hernandez due to Barcelona’s right-back shortage. Despite his success in the role, he is unhappy with the situation..
In the upcoming season, the French international would prefer to play as a center-back rather than right-back. Kounde’s market value has remained constant at €60 million in the interim. However, a number of prestigious clubs, including Manchester City, Chelsea, and Manchester United, have taken notice of the player’s predicament.
Manchester City has long been interested in the Barcelona defender. The Premier League champions have also tried in the past, but unsuccessfully, to hire Kounde. But given that Aymeric Laporte’s future at the Etihad is uncertain, Manchester City’s continued interest in the Frenchman is understandable.
However, Kounde was a target for Chelsea last summer before he joined Barcelona. Despite the player’s mounting dissatisfaction, the Blues are still keen to secure his services. Additionally, with Thiago Silva nearing the end of his illustrious career, the Barcelona defender can eventually replace the Brazilian at Chelsea.
Manchester United, meanwhile, recently entered the competition to sign the 24-year-old. The Barcelona defender can take Harry Maguire’s place as the Englishman’s future is uncertain. Raphael Varane is also not likely to be a long-term central defensive answer. Kounde will therefore be Lisandro Martinez’s center-back partner for a while.
Kounde is a target for Arsenal in addition to Manchester City, Chelsea, and Manchester United. The four Premier League clubs will probably move quickly to sign him if he decides to leave Barcelona. It will be interesting to see what the French international’s future holds.
