Arsenal are weighing up a move for Jules Koundé after Barcelona signalled their openness to selling the French defender this summer, according to a report by Sport.

The Blaugrana's willingness to entertain offers for Koundé comes on the back of Ronald Araujo's departure to Liverpool on loan, as Barcelona look to raise capital and reshape their squad under manager Hansi Flick.

Flick's rebuild opens the door

Flick is understood to have his right-back position covered by World Cup winner Eric Garcia and La Masia product Xavi Espart. With Barcelona still seeking a centre-forward following Robert Lewandowski's exit, the club are receptive to substantial bids for players deemed peripheral to their plans.

Sport noted that "Arsenal would need to convince a player whom Hansi Flick no longer considers strategic" — a framing that suggests Koundé's future at Camp Nou may hinge as much on personal ambition as club finances.

Koundé, 27, can operate at centre-back or right-back, though he has featured predominantly as a full-back since joining Barcelona from Sevilla in 2022. Transfermarkt values the Frenchman at €60 million.

Defensive concerns drive Arsenal's interest

Mikel Arteta has tracked Koundé for some time, and the urgency of Arsenal's interest has intensified following William Saliba's back injury — sustained during a World Cup semi-final over the summer — which has left the Gunners reassessing their defensive depth ahead of the new Premier League season.

Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel have drawn scrutiny as a central defensive pairing during pre-season, adding to the sense that reinforcements may be needed at the back.

Jurrien Timber, meanwhile, remains unavailable. Arteta has acknowledged that the Dutch defender is still "weeks away" from returning to training, increasing the likelihood that Arsenal move for either a centre-back or a right-back before the window shuts.

Konsa alternative complicates the picture

Arsenal have also registered interest in Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa, though Villa are reluctant to sell another key player to a Premier League rival following their UEFA Europa League triumph. Koundé's versatility and experience could make him the more attractive option.

Attackers remain the primary focus for Arsenal's recruitment this window, with Arteta cautious about adding a defender unless the circumstances demand it. Arsenal open their Premier League title defence against Coventry City on Matchday 1.