Arsenal's hopes of signing Jules Kounde from Barcelona could hinge on a favour from Tottenham, as the Gunners look to bring in an experienced defender this summer. Mikel Arteta is keen to add cover for William Saliba, who will miss the start of the season with a back injury picked up at the World Cup.
Kounde identified as alternative
Arsenal had identified Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa as an option, but his £60million valuation and competition from Liverpool complicated matters. The Gunners have now turned their attention to Barcelona's Jules Kounde, according to reports in Spain. The France international can play at right-back or centre-back, offering tactical flexibility to Arteta.
Sport says Arsenal are monitoring Kounde, who has four years left on his Barcelona contract and would not come cheap. The process has 'stalled' partly due to Kounde's reluctance to leave the Catalan club.
Barcelona's need for funds
Barcelona would reportedly consider a 'multi-million euro' sale because they need funds to revamp their backline. Hansi Flick's side, who have loaned out Ronald Araujo to Liverpool, are said to be sounding out possible arrivals should Kounde leave. Their top target is Tottenham right-back Pedro Porro, whose stock is high after helping Spain win the World Cup.
Porro recently signed a new contract with Spurs until June 2031 and is a key player for manager Roberto De Zerbi, who has no intention of letting him go. It remains to be seen whether the 26-year-old could be tempted by Barcelona if they step up their pursuit.
De Zerbi's praise for Porro
“Pedro is a very important player for us, who has consistently shown his ability to influence matches in both defensive and attacking situations,” De Zerbi said after Porro signed a new deal in June. “As well as his technical quality, I also love his mentality. Every day he wants to work, to learn and to improve, and these are the characteristics that help players reach the highest level.”
Arsenal have already been frustrated in their failure to land Vinicius Junior, who used their interest to negotiate a new contract with Real Madrid. The Gunners have been forced to look for alternatives in attack, with Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez the dream signing.
Arteta on further signings
Asked if fans could expect further signings this summer following the £75m capture of Bruno Guimaraes, Arteta replied: “Well that's what we're trying to do. If we have the right player in the market to make us much better, we are very looking forward to that.”
Arsenal's defence has been leaky in pre-season, but Arteta insisted that hasn't increased their desire to sign a defender. “I wouldn't go there just to put it isolated there,” Arteta said after losing to Borussia Dortmund. “We conceded some poor goals the other day, some poor goals today. In the way we competed, especially. But that's a very collective responsibility. So we need to improve with the players that we have. And we want to improve for sure.”
