As per a report by Marca, Jules Kounde has commented that he could leave Sevilla this summer. The Frenchman is a hot target in this transfer window with big clubs wanting to sign him. But currently Manchester United and Arsenal are leading the race for the French defender.
Kounde, a product of the Bordeaux Academy, moved to Sevilla in the summer of 2019. Since joining the Spanish side, the Frenchman has developed into one of the emerging talents of European football. Till now, he has gone to appear 89 times for the Spanish side.
The French defender was crucial to his side’s Europa League triumph last season. And continued to be an indispensable part of the Sevilla first team this season as well.
The 22-year-old has appeared 49 times this season for Sevilla while conceding just 33 times in La Liga. Only Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid conceded fewer league goals than Sevilla in 2020-21. This helped Sevilla to finish 4th in the league table while securing a Champions League spot for next season.
Kounde’s impressive performance for Sevilla has also earned him the first call-up from the French team. He will feature in the France team for the Euro 2020. But despite his impressive performance he is set to leave the Spanish side this summer.
“I may have to change clubs this summer. I have not decided anything. “My goal is one day, to evolve into a great club to always try to progress, win trophies.
Jules Kounde has still three years left in his contract with a release clause of £68 million for Sevilla. The Spanish side will try to keep the youngster for the upcoming Seasons. However, it would be wise for them to let go of him at a high price following their condition because of the pandemic.
Manchester United and Arsenal lead the race for Kounde
Manchester United had a poor season as they went to finish trophyless this year. However, they secured a Champions League spot for next season by finishing 2nd in the league table.
It is pretty much clear that United has suffered solely because of defensive lapses this season. The club has struggled to keep a clean sheet in absence of Harry Maguire while it also cost them the Europa League trophy. And now it no secret that the United squad needs reinforcements this summer.
However, they have now drawn an interest towards Kounde for a transfer. It is believed that United has offered a sum of 70 million to swoop the youngster for Sevilla.
While Arsenal is also in the line for the French defender. The Gunners have not been impressive this season under Mikel Arteta as they finished 8th in the league table. They also faced the same problem as the United in defense.
Arsenal are in the market for center-back as David Luiz is set to leave the club with his contract expiring this summer. However, William Saliba is an option to fill his role after he returns from a loan at Saint-Etienne. But the gunners want more for their backline to improve next season.
They have identified Kounde as an option and are willing to table an offer for the Frenchman. However, the deal might not move forward as the defender is valued high. And Kounde wants to move to a team that is participating in the big European competitions.
So, let’s see where the Frenchman will land himself for the next season. Whether it will be England or any other country, and if can continue his impressive performance for his future club.
