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Barcelona have identified William Saliba as a transfer target to explore if they miss out on signing Jules Kounde from Sevilla.
THE LOWDOWN: A KOUNDE ALTERNATIVE
Barcelona have set their eyes on Sevilla defender Jules Kounde, as they want to bring him in to rejuvenate their defense. However, the Spanish club have also prepared a five-man shortlist as possible alternatives if they fail to land Jules Kounde.
Recent reports have shown that the French defender is edging closer to joining Chelsea, which means that the Catalunya club will have to explore other options, which include Arsenal’s French defender, William Saliba.
Saliba spent last season on loan at French club Marseille, where he won the Young Player of the Year award in Ligue 1. He received plaudits across the world, earning himself a call-up to the France national team.
However, he is now back at Arsenal, currently on the USA preseason tour with the team. It is expected that he will finally get his chance in the Gunners team this season, as he battles for a starting spot with the likes of Gabriel Magalhaes and Ben White.
THE LATEST: NO OFFICIAL BID
Barcelona have added Andreas Christensen to their defense this summer. However, they are not done with defensive reinforcements, with 23-year-old Kounde their primary target. It is believed that they have a personal agreement in place with the defender.
Despite the reported agreement with Kounde, Barcelona are yet to make a formal offer to Sevilla. However, as per the Mirror the Catalan giants are keeping tabs on fellow Frenchman William Saliba as their next target if they fail to land Kounde.
THE VERDICT: A NEW DEAL FOR SALIBA
After Saliba’s performance in the Ligue 1 last season, it was inevitable that top clubs would try to snatch him from Arsenal. There is also the case of two years left in his contract with the Gunners, which means it’s time to offer him a new deal.
It will be dangerous to allow the defender’s contract to get into the final year without getting him on a new long-term deal. Saliba’s quality is evident and Arsenal have a top defender on their hands. It will be an unsmart move to lose him to another club.
Mikel Arteta has categorically stated that Saliba is in his plans for the coming season, which means a deal to Barcelona might not be possible.
