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Tottenham Hotspur plotting bold move to derail Arsenal interest: report
Sameer Bhatia | July 30, 2026 5:17 AM CST

Tottenham and Arsenal are not unfamiliar with going after the same players.

Tottenham Hotspur are now preparing a move that could have major consequences for Arsenal.

The fierce North London rivals have often gone head-to-head for transfer targets, and they have done so for several players in the past — most notably this summer, Sandro Tonali, who opted for Tottenham after beginning the window as Arsenal's first-choice midfield target.

With a lot of business still to be completed this summer, there could yet be further overlap in the players both clubs try to bring in, starting with a Spurs move that is now on the horizon.

As per Spanish outlet Fichajes, Tottenham are considering a move for Barcelona defender Jules Kounde for about €65 million.

With captain Cristian Romero having agreed to leave N17, Spurs have already brought in Jan Paul van Hecke as his replacement, but more additions may still arrive before the window closes, with the report saying the Lilywhites are “keen on Kounde for his versatility” because he can operate on the right side or in the middle of defence.

Bringing in the Frenchman would be a major coup, especially since he has long been a target down the Seven Sisters Road.

Arsenal are also believed to be looking for defensive cover, with William Saliba's availability for the first half of the season uncertain after he suffered a back injury at the World Cup.

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Considering the injury problems Jurrien Timber and Ben White have dealt with in recent months, Arsenal could also use someone who can provide cover at right-back.

Although Tottenham have not yet made a formal bid, the interest is said to depend on whether Barça decide to cash in on Kounde.

The Catalan giants are expected to go after a centre-forward before the transfer window shuts, and any offer of €60m or more for Kounde would be seriously considered.

FourFourTwo understands that Arsenal are not currently looking at the 27-year-old as they try to keep costs down in their pursuit of Bruno Guimaraes and Vinicius Jr, but with Spurs aiming to strengthen their defence, another right-back could still arrive before deadline day.

Pedro Porro, however, stood out as one of the best in his position at the World Cup, and it is unlikely that Roberto De Zerbi will want to replace him in his system.

Kounde is valued at €60m by Transfermarkt. Spurs travel to Brentford on the opening day of the new Premier League season.


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