Barcelona ready to make surprise move for Arsenal and Chelsea target - Reports
Barcelona are reportedly eyeing a move for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, who's also linked with Arsenal and Chelsea. The Spanish giants are looking for a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski.
Lewandowski has been in incredible form this season, having scored 22 goals and provided two assists in 20 games across competitions. However, he is 36 now and his contract with the Blaugrana is set to expire in 2026. Hence, Barcelona are looking for his potential replacement.
As per Caught Offside, the Spanish giants have identified Isak as an ideal replacement. The Swedish striker has experience in Spanish football, having played for Real Sociedad for three years. He recorded 44 goals and eight assists in 132 games for them before joining Newcastle in 2022. He's contributed 40 goals and seven assists in 80 games for the Magpies.
However, Barca will have to compete with the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea for Isak's signature. With his contract expiring in 2028, Newcastle are expected to demand over £100 million. As per the aforementioned report, Barcelona will look to offer a player plus cash to sign the Swede.
Chelsea make an offer for 2 Barcelona stars: Reports
As per reports (via Football365), Chelsea have made an offer worth £104 million to sign both Ronald Araujo and Jules Kounde in the January transfer window.
The Blues have spent over a billion over the last two seasons on new players under the ownership of Todd Boehly and Co. They also signed 11 players in the summer but are still looking to strengthen their squad in January. They have submitted a bid for Araujo and Kounde to strengthen their defense.
However, as per the aforementioned source, Barcelona have rejected the bid. They are unwilling to part ways with Kounde and will only consider the sale of Araujo for a big price and that too next summer.
Kounde has been one of the most important players for Barca in recent seasons, playing as a right-back. He has made 21 appearances across competitions this season and recorded one goal and five assists. He was also linked with a move to Chelsea when he was leaving Sevilla in 2022 but he chose to join Barcelona instead.
Ronald Araujo, meanwhile, has yet to feature for the Spanish giants this season due to an injury. He has returned to training though and could be back in action soon. However, with the likes of Pau Cubarsi and Andreas Christensen doing well, Araujo's future at the club is uncertain.
