Barcelona inform Arsenal of minimum Jules Koundé asking price

The powers that be at La Liga giants Barcelona have responded to the interest of Arsenal in key defender Jules Koundé.

That’s according to Diario Sport, who have on Monday provided an insight into the latest developments behind the scenes in Catalunya’s capital.

For those who may have missed it, links between Koundé and the aforementioned Arsenal first started to crop up in the media last month.

Amid an ongoing search for reinforcements to an already star-studded backline under the watch of Mikel Arteta, the brass at The Emirates are understood to have set their sights firmly on the signature of Barca’s versatile standout.

Where, though, do the Barcelona board stand on as much?

As per Sport, the situation is currently somewhat up in the air.

Deco and co. have asked their Arsenal counterparts for more time in coming to a final decision on whether or not Koundé is available for transfer this summer.

As much is likely to hinge on the plans of Ronald Araújo.

Should Araújo opt to seek out a new home over the coming months, Koundé will not be permitted to depart under any circumstances.

On the other hand, should the former move on, Barcelona could open to a sale.

And, in the case of as much, Sport point towards a minimum €60 million starting point for talks with Arsenal.

Conor Laird | GSFN