According to Spanish outlet Sport, Arsenal are ready to make a move for Barcelona defender Jules Kounde if he opens the door for a summer transfer.
The north London giants have had a quiet summer transfer window after winning the Premier League. They have made two new outfield additions in Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis, but may want more marquee signings before the deadline.
A new central defender appears a top priority for the English champions, given William Saliba’s back injury. Sport (page 7) claim that the Gunners are in the transfer market for a centre-back, who can also operate from the right side of defence.
Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa has been a top target for the Premier League holders, but they have been put off by the £64 million asking price. Hence, the club are looking for a cheaper alternative and have earmarked Kounde as a prime target.
Gunners manager Mikel Arteta is a big admirer of the former Sevilla man. Kounde has recently reported for pre-season training and Arsenal are prepared to make a proposal to sign him if the Frenchman opens the door to leave the Blaugrana.
Experience
Kounde has been one of France’s best defenders and played exclusively as a right-back during the recent World Cup. He has primarily featured in the same role for Barcelona, but was a regular centre-back during his time with La Liga side Sevilla.
Arsenal were linked with the 27-year-old back then and Arteta may want the Gunners to make a renewed approach. Kounde’s versatility would suit the Gunners, who are also without right-back Jurrien Timber for a number of weeks due to a nagging groin issue.
Ben White has started as the right-back throughout pre-season but the Englishman has been injury prone too. The former Brighton & Hove Albion man picked up a knee injury in May which contributed to him missing out on the World Cup.
Kounde would be a fabulous addition to the Gunners’ ranks. He is a good ball-playing defender and completed an impressive 92% of his passes for Barcelona last term. He won 4 duels and almost 2 tackles per appearance with 3 recoveries.
Barcelona signed Kounde for £42 million from Sevilla four years ago and may at…
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