Romano comments on chances of £42m Barcelona star joining Arsenal

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Fabrizio Romano has played down any idea of Barcelona defender Jules Kounde joining Arsenal before the transfer deadline.

Jules Kounde looks set to stay at Barcelona as Fabrizio Romano plays down suggestions of him joining Arsenal.

Romano has been speaking to Caught Offside about Kounde’s future with Arsenal potentially seeking to sign a new defender.

Romano claims that he is aware of some murmurs that Arsenal could make a late move for Kounde before the deadline.

However, Romano’s understanding is that Kounde and Barcelona boss Xavi have decided to stick together for the new season.

Kounde only joined Barcelona from Sevilla last summer, completing a huge £42million move to the Camp Nou.

The Frenchman started 28 La Liga games last season, helping Barcelona win the title.

A departure would be a huge surprise and Romano claims Kounde would ‘cost a lot of money’ with Barcelona not looking to sell.

This one seemingly isn’t happening for Arsenal with Romano confident that he will be staying in Catalunya for a while yet.

“I’m aware there have been some reports of Arsenal looking at Jules Kounde as someone to replace Jurrien Timber,” said Romano.

“My understanding, however, is that both Xavi and Kounde have always been very clear, they want to keep going together at Barca, so at the moment the situation is quiet. In any case, Kounde would cost lot of money; not a cheap deal at all. I’m not aware of concrete contacts at this stage,” he added.

Arsenal could move for a new defender even if it’s not Jules Kounde

The Gunners splashed out for one defender this summer as Jurrien Timber arrived from Ajax.

However, the Dutch international suffered a major knee injury against Nottingham Forest on the opening day of the season.

Timber is likely to miss most of the season and it looks like Kieran Tierney just isn’t in the plans at Arsenal this season.

Timber’s injury and a potential Tierney departure leave Arsenal potentially seeking another defender before the deadline.

Versatility would be key and Kounde provides that having shown himself as a right back and centre back in recent years.

We can certainly understand why Arsenal may want Kounde but they will seemingly have to look elsewhere.

Somebody who can play all across the back line would be welcome but we could maybe see somebody like Kyle Walker-Peters – who has played at left back and right back – being a more realistic target than Kounde.