According to Mundo Deportivo, FC Barcelona defender Jules Kounde is back at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper.
The French defender returned to the Catalan club’s training facilities on Tuesday following his holiday, exactly as planned.
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Back in training
Kounde finished his participation in the World Cup one day earlier than the Spanish internationals after playing in the third-place playoff against England.
As a result, he was given one fewer day of vacation than the world champions and returned to Barcelona on Tuesday.
With the Frenchman’s return, along with the early arrivals of Gavi, Joan Garcia and Eric Garcia, Hansi Flick is now only waiting for Pau Cubarsi, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal to rejoin the squad.
Kounde back in training. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
That list could still change once Ferran’s departure and Rodri’s arrival are confirmed.
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Kounde will undergo his medical tests this morning before gradually working his way back up to the same training rhythm as his teammates.
The squad faces an intense week, with training sessions every day through Saturday and double sessions scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday.
Arsenal interested in Kounde
Kounde arrives at Barcelona amid some degree of uncertainty over his long-term future at Barcelona.
The French international is no longer considered an undisputed starter at right-back after Eric Garcia impressed in the role during the last season.
Xavi Espart’s emergence has provided the manager with an additional option in the position.
Arsenal interested in Kounde. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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Amidst all this, Arsenal have shown an interest in signing Kounde, with manager Mikel Arteta looking for a player of his profile, who can operate both at right-back and centre-back.
Apart from the Premier League champions, there has also been tentative interest from Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich in the defender.
Barcelona, for their part, are not actively looking to sell the 27-year-old defensive ace. However, if a big offer comes in for the player, they would be open to studying it.
Kounde is contracted with the Blaugrana until the summer of 2030 and has shown no indication of wanting to leave the club. With a conversation pending with Flick in the coming days, it remains to be seen if things change.
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