Everyone at Barça is aware of it and there are moves being made to address the possible departure of Jules Koundé. In recent hours, El Nacional has revealed that Arsenal is preparing a genuine offer to immediately acquire the French defender. Koundé has become the best right-back in the world and has sparked the interest of the gunner club, willing to pay a lot of money to get him right away.
Mikel Arteta wants him and has personally requested his transfer. Arsenal is preparing a major offer of 75 million euros to immediately sign Jules Koundé. It's a sale that Barça isn't considering for January, but this could change if the Frenchman asks to leave. Given this possiblity, the Catalan club is moving, to the point of preparing for the arrival of his possible replacement.
The Latest Update on Jules Koundé Triggers an Emergency Transfer at Barça: a Bomb
If Jules Koundé ends up leaving for the 75 million that Arsenal is preparing, the truth is that Barça is already thinking about his replacement. The best positioned one is the right-back from Rayo Vallecano, Andrei Ratiu, whose clause is valued at 25 million euros, although he could leave for less money.
Madrid-Barcelona has learned that Andrei Ratiu could leave Rayo for about 15 million euros, a price that has caught Barça's interest. He's a full-back who is highly regarded for his defensive and offensive capabilities. He's 26 years old and is being followed by major clubs in Spain and Europe, ready to leave immediately for a high-level offer.
By selling Jules Koundé for 75 million and signing Ratiu for 15, Barça would immediately gain 60 "rocks". However, the reality is that it seems complicated for both to be carried out. Koundé's departure is seen as "very complicated" in the culer team and would only happen if he himself requests it, which seems impossible.
Jules Koundé is happy in Barcelona and at Barça, and has no intention of heading to Arsenal. The only thing that would change his mind is the possibility of earning a much higher salary there, which isn't in the gunners' plans. Just in case, Deco has already prepared and has Andrei Ratiu's name ready to replace him.