Arsenal are planning a £135m double swoop for Barcelona defender Jules Kounde and Bayer Leverkusen forward Christian Kofane as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his Premier League champions squad.
The Gunners were held to a 1-1 draw by Cesc Fabregas' Como in a pre-season friendly on Wednesday evening, with Myles Lewis-Skelly opening the scoring before Martin Baturina equalised for the Italian side. New arrival Christos Tzolis scored the winning penalty in the shootout, which Arsenal won after their painful defeat on penalties to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final in May.
Next up for Arsenal is Manchester City in the Community Shield on Sunday, before facing Coventry City on the opening day of the new campaign.
Barcelona target emerges
Arsenal have been trying to sign defensive reinforcements this summer but without success so far. William Saliba's absence for "an extended period" leaves Arteta short of one of his top defenders ahead of the new season, reports the Mirror.
The Premier League champions have shown interest in Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa, 28, but are set to shift their focus to Barcelona defender Jules Kounde, if the France international is open to a potential move, according to Spanish publication Sport.
The outlet suggests Arsenal are seeking a centre-back who can also provide cover on the right flank of defence. Kounde, 27, certainly matches that profile, having operated in central defence for Sevilla before transitioning to full-back following his move to Barcelona, a role he also fulfils for his country.
Kounde is reportedly viewed as a more affordable option than Konsa, who has been priced at £60m by the Europa League winners. The Frenchman could cost around £50m.
£85m star open to Premier League move
Bayer Leverkusen sensation Christian Kofane has admitted he would welcome a move to the Premier League. The 20-year-old made a strong impression during his maiden campaign with the Bundesliga outfit, registering seven goals and nine assists across 44 appearances.
The forward faced the Gunners last season during the Champions League last 16 and demonstrated his quality in both encounters despite his team falling short. His representative Eric Depolo appeared to suggest his displays prompted the Gunners to make enquiries about his availability, though cautioned they would need to stump up £85m to secure his services.
He told Daily Arsenal earlier this year: "Yes, Arsenal's interest is genuine. The manager [Mikel Arteta] likes him very much. I think it is too early to say [which club is leading the race]."
"But due to the fact that the player speaks Spanish, like Mikel Arteta, and that William Saliba is originally from Cameroon, I would say Arsenal are in pole position."
Depolo added: "He is a €100million (£85m) player. With Kofane, Arsenal will have a top striker for the next 10 years."
Speaking about a potential move to England, Kofane told Kicker: "I can certainly imagine it, yes. It's one of the best leagues in the world. But I want to take it step by step. I'm young and still have big plans with Bayer Leverkusen."
