Arsenal are now said to have begun talks to sign a Barcelona star who is currently preparing for a last-16 tie at Euro 2024.
Mikel Arteta has a few different profiles on his wishlist at Arsenal this summer, hoping to build a better-prepared squad for next season.
Arteta’s options were far too light in several areas, Arsenal didn’t have the necessary backup for players like William Saliba and Bukayo Saka.
Two players it’s almost impossible to emulate, but Arsenal could definitely be better prepared to allow them a rest.
With that in mind, Arsenal have been linked with several wingers this summer, notably Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, who is currently starring at Euro 2024.
And it now seems as if Williams is not the only player the Gunners are following at the tournament, with Barcelona’s Jules Kounde also in their sights.
Kounde has been France’s starting right-back in Germany, a player who can operate across the whole back line.
And according to journalist Gerard Moreno, who is an expert on all things Barca, Arsenal now want the Frenchman.
Arsenal have enquired about the availability of Barcelona defender Jules Kounde
It was previously mentioned that Arsenal didn’t have the necessary back up to Saliba at right centre-back, and Kounde could definitely fulfil that position.
However, a backup role wouldn’t be befitting the ‘fantastic’ defender at any club, as demonstrated by his performances for France.
If Romero’s reports are reliable, Kounde would be coming to Arsenal as a new starter.
In terms of what the journalist disclosed, Moreno simply said on Twitch that Arsenal have contacted Barcelona about the availability of Kounde in recent days.
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Judging by those words, it seems that any interest is still very early, but that doesn’t mean that Arsenal won’t then make a more concerted effort.
Barcelona signed Kounde for £42m in 2023, a player that Hansi Flick would surely be loath to lose having just been appointed the Catalan club’s new manager.
And that is a key facet to the deal, given Edu has refused to pay over the odds for any targets over the past few summers, regardless of how important they may be.
All that being said, Napoli are now said to be considering a move for an Arsenal defender this summer, which may further the need for versatile profile like Kounde to arrive.