Barcelona 'eyeing Saliba' as alternative to Chelsea-bound Kounde

Barcelona ‘could turn their attention to Arsenal star William Saliba if they miss out on top defensive target Jules Kounde this summer’… with Nou Camp chiefs eyeing alternatives as the Sevilla defender edges closer towards a £55m move to Chelsea

  • Barcelona could make a move for Arsenal defender William Saliba this summer  
  • The Spanish giants will bid for Saliba if the fail to bring Jules Kounde to the club 
  • Arsenal are keen to keep the Frenchman and see him as a part of their plans
  • Saliba has spent the last three years on loan and is yet to appear for the Gunners 

Barcelona could swoop in for Arsenal defender William Saliba if they fail in their bid to bring Jules Kounde to the club this summer. 

The French defender spent last season on loan at Marseille, where he was included in Ligue 1’s Team of the Season and named the league’s Young Player of the Year, as he helped the club to a second-place finish behind PSG. 

Saliba, 21, is now back at Arsenal and seen as an important part of Mikel Arteta’s squad for the upcoming campaign, despite not yet making a single competitive appearance for the club. 

Barcelona are targeting Arsenal defender William Saliba as a potential new centre-back 

Saliba (third from right) enjoyed a successful loan spell with Marseille last season in Ligue 1 

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Yet according to Spanish journalist Gerard Romero, Saliba tops a list of alternative defensive options for Barcelona, who could make a bid if they fail to land number one target Jules Kounde. 

As well as the Arsenal star, Barca are also tracking Inter Milan’s Milan Skriniar, RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol, Athletic Bilbao’s Inigo Martinez and Roma’s Roger Ibanez. 

Saliba signed for Arsenal in a £27milllion deal back in 2019 but has since spent three separate loan spells away from the club in Ligue 1. 

Mikel Arteta is said to be ready to give William Saliba a first-team opportunity at the Emirates 

Barcelona’s number one target is Sevilla defender Jules Kounde, who could cost £55million

Sevilla’s Kounde remains the preferred option for Barcelona, but Xavi and Co are aware they no longer lead the race for the French international’s signature. 

Chelsea are currently in pole position to sign Kounde and have tabled a £55million bid for his services, which is being discussed by the French club. 

However, Barcelona are said to be the player’s preferred destination and he could hold out for a move to the Nou Camp. 

Barcelona are keen on bringing Aston Villa’s teenage star Carney Chukwuemka to the club 

Barcelona, who this week finally sealed a deal to bring Robert Lewandowski to the club, are also plotting a second raid on the Premier League after bidding for Aston Villa’s young star Carney Chukwuemeka. 

The Catalans are frontrunners to sign the midfielder ahead of PSG, Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle, who are all watching the situation. 

Chukwuemeka is yet to sign a new deal at Villa Park and the teenager could move to a club in Europe for a compensation fee of around £300,000 to £400,000 in a year’s time. However, Villa have put a £20million price tag on his head for any interested parties willing to make a move this summer. 




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