Arsenal is set to bench Ben White and Timber after submitting a bid to activate the release clause of a world-class defender who has twice turned down Chelsea.
Arsenal have reportedly initiated discussions to sign a Barcelona star who is currently preparing for a Euro 2024 last-16 match.
Mikel Arteta has a variety of profiles on his wishlist this summer, aiming to assemble a better-prepared squad for the upcoming season.
Arteta’s team lacked depth in several areas last season, particularly not having adequate backup for key players like William Saliba and Bukayo Saka.
While replacing these players is nearly impossible, Arsenal could certainly be better equipped to give them rest.
With this in mind, Arsenal have been linked to several wingers this summer, including Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, who is currently shining at Euro 2024.
It now appears that Williams is not the only player Arsenal is targeting at the tournament, as Barcelona’s Jules Kounde is also on their radar.
Kounde has been France’s starting right-back in Germany and can play across the entire back line.
According to journalist Gerard Romero, an expert on all things Barca, Arsenal is interested in the Frenchman.
Arsenal have inquired about the availability of Barcelona defender Jules Kounde.
Previously, it was noted that Arsenal lacked sufficient backup for Saliba at right center-back, a position Kounde could definitely fill.
However, a backup role would not suit the ‘fantastic’ defender, as evidenced by his performances for France.
If Romero’s reports are accurate, Kounde would join Arsenal as a new starter.
Moreno revealed on Twitch that Arsenal has contacted Barcelona about Kounde’s availability in recent days.
This indicates that Arsenal’s interest is still in the early stages, but a more serious effort could follow.
Barcelona signed Kounde for £42m in 2023, and newly appointed manager Hansi Flick would likely be reluctant to lose him.
A crucial aspect of the deal is that Edu has refused to overpay for any targets in recent summers, regardless of their importance.
Additionally, Napoli is now reportedly considering a move for an Arsenal defender this summer, which may increase the need for a versatile player like Kounde to join.