Barcelona is gearing up for one of its most crucial matches of the season as it hosts Inter Milan in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final.
Following their Copa del Rey triumph over Real Madrid in El Clásico, the Catalan club is looking to carry that momentum forward and take a significant step toward a long-awaited Champions League final.
However, despite the optimism surrounding recent successes, El Nacional reports a growing sense of unease within the squad due to Arsenal’s increasing interest in Jules Koundé. The French defender is considered central to coach Hansi Flick’s strategy, not only for his consistent performances on the pitch—especially at right-back—but also for his leadership and influence in the dressing room.
Among those most concerned about a potential departure is young star Lamine Yamal, who reportedly sees Koundé as irreplaceable. Yamal, along with Pedri, Gavi, and Frenkie de Jong, regards Koundé as essential to the team’s stability and identity. His absence would create both a technical and emotional void.
Koundé has proven himself among the top players in his position, contributing defensively and initiating plays from deep. Off the field, he sets a standard with his professionalism and dedication to the club’s vision, serving as a role model for younger teammates.
To prevent a disruptive exit, Barcelona’s leadership has begun negotiations to extend Koundé’s contract until 2030, including a pay raise to reflect his growing importance. Encouragingly for the club, Koundé is reportedly happy in Barcelona and feels he’s in an environment where he can thrive.
Joan Laporta and the club hierarchy are working quickly to finalize the extension before the summer transfer window opens, knowing that uncertainty around a key player like Koundé could destabilize the squad.
A renewal would send a powerful message—both internally and externally—that Barcelona is serious about building a title-contending team while retaining its most valuable assets.
While discussions are ongoing, Koundé’s teammates, especially Lamine Yamal, are watching closely. Until an agreement is signed, anxiety remains, and ensuring the defender’s future is secured is seen as vital to the club’s broader ambitions.
