Jules Kounde on Arsenal's radar as Barcelona opens the door to a sale

The European transfer market is starting to heat up, and one name stands out above the rest: Jules Kounde. According to Diario Sport, Arsenal is closely monitoring the situation of the Barcelona defender, one of the veteran players the Catalan club would reportedly be open to hearing offers for this summer. Kounde is under contract until 2030 and is only 27, but his versatility (he can play center back or right back) makes him a coveted piece for an Arsenal side that has been hit hard in that area of the field: the Gunners will be without center back Kounde for an extended period after a back injury suffered at the World Cup, and they also won't be able to count on Jurrien Timber, who missed the tournament with the Netherlands due to a groin injury.

United, meanwhile, is looking toward Germany. TEAMtalk reported that the English club is considering a move for David Raum, left back and captain of RB Leipzig, as an alternative to Lewis Hall, who all signs suggest will stay at Newcastle. Raum has a release clause of 34 million pounds, though sources at Old Trafford believe the deal could be sealed for around 30 million if the player himself pushes to make the move.

Deals already done

While some are still negotiating, others have already signed. Liverpool completed the loan of Ronald Araujo for one season, with a buy option set at around 55 million euros for next summer, according to sources who spoke to ESPN. At the same time, one of those trades you don't see every day was confirmed: Brennan Johnson is leaving Crystal Palace for Everton, while Dwight McNeil is making the reverse trip, from Everton to Palace. And Nottingham Forest strengthened its defense with Ousmane Diomande, arriving from Sporting CP, who will reunite in England with Ibrahim Sangare, with whom he won the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.

There are other deals in the works that are close to being finalized. Atletico Madrid, according to Matteo Moretto, has all but wrapped up the signing of Cristian Romero from Tottenham, a move it made an absolute priority and one that only needs minor details ironed out. City, meanwhile, is in advanced talks to bring in Ayyoub Bouaddi, the 18-year-old Lille midfielder, for a fee that could reach around 85 million pounds; Enzo Maresca wants him to join the first team right away. That move, sources clarify, has no direct connection to the possible departure of Rodri, who is being tracked by both Barcelona and Real Madrid.

What's brewing in Barcelona and Madrid

Barca is also sending signals on the outgoing side. The club turned down an initial offer from PSG of around 40 million euros for Ferran Torres, though it's willing to let him go if a higher bid comes in, since his contract runs until 2027. At Real Madrid, on the other hand, the situation with Endrick appears to be heading in the opposite direction from what had been speculated: sources consulted by ESPN say the Brazilian forward, despite interest from several clubs, has a better chance of staying than of going out on loan again, after having spent the second half of last season at Lyon.

There's also buzz around Gabriel Martinelli. The Daily Mirror revealed early talks between Roma and the representatives of the Arsenal winger, who is entering the final year of his contract. Galatasaray also has him on its list as an alternative to Rafael Leao, though the Brazilian's salary demands could complicate any agreement.

And there's a chapter unfolding in Munich that could close out a long-running saga: both Barcelona and Tottenham inquired about Harry Kane, but everything points to the 33-year-old striker staying at Bayern and signing a contract renewal.