Jules Kounde intent on staying at Barcelona amid Chelsea and Arsenal interest
October 7, 2026 21:32
Barcelona defender Jules Kounde has declared he does not see his future away from the Catalan club and is prepared to fight for his place, despite reported interest from Chelsea and Arsenal.
CONTEXT
Kounde, 27, is contracted to Barcelona until June 2030 but is not currently an assured starter under manager Hansi Flick. He has made four La Liga appearances so far this campaign, starting only twice. The centre-back-cum-right-back has previously been a key player from the right-back position, but his place in the team is uncertain at present.
The article also notes a parallel situation involving Alejandro Balde, who chose to remain at Barcelona this summer but has played just 12 minutes of first-team football and is said to be contemplating a change in the New Year.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Kounde’s stated intention is to stay and compete for minutes; it remains to be seen whether he maintains that stance if he continues to be overlooked by Flick. Interest from Chelsea and Arsenal has been reported, but Kounde’s preference, as described here, is to remain and fight for his spot.