According to Spanish publication Sport, Arsenal are ‘willing to pay’ a hefty transfer fee to sign Barcelona defender Jules Kounde this summer.
The Gunners are in the transfer market for a new defender, who can operate in central defence or at right-back. Arsenal primarily want to provide cover for the injured William Saliba at centre-back, but they are likewise looking for a right-back solution, given Jurrien Timber has yet to return from a nagging groin problem.
Sport now reveal that Kounde has been identified as a leading target for the Gunners, considering he can operate in both defensive roles. The Gunners are prepared to spend big on the Frenchman, but they won’t make an approach unless the former Sevilla man is willing to pursue a new challenge away from Barcelona.
As things stand, Kounde is prioritising a stay with the Spanish champions. His current contract only expires in June 2030. Barcelona are open to cashing in on the 27-year-old and it remains to be seen whether the Frenchman changes his stance in the coming days.
Experience
The Gunners have a huge void to fill in the heart of their backline after the untimely back injury sustained by Saliba while playing for France at the World Cup this summer. Cristhian Mosquera is likely to accompany Gabriel Magalhaes in central defence for the new campaign, but the Spaniard remains inexperienced and has not had the best of pre-seasons.
Ben White and 16-year-old Marli Salmon are the only fit right footed centre-backs in the squad. With White poised to start as a right-back, Arsenal genuinely need another experienced figure to compete with Mosquera. Kounde would be a perfect candidate, having established himself as one of the leading defenders in La Liga as well as France.
Kounde started his career as a specialist central defender, but has played as a right-back in recent years. Last season, he had a passing accuracy of 92% in La Liga, winning 4 duels and almost 2 tackles per game. He is not the tallest of defenders at 180cm, but he makes up for it with his clever positioning and good recovery pace. He would be a good acquisition.
At the moment, he has no desire to pursue a new challenge, but his stance could change. He is poised to hold talks with manager Hansi Flick and the lack of assurances of regular game time could see him move on. Arsenal have held a long-term interest in him from his Sevilla days and could pounce on his services if he gives the green light for a transfer.
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