Top News

Arsenal have been presented with an opportunity to sign a long-standing target from Barcelona.

The Gunners have endured a number of setbacks in the transfer market this summer and are now pushing to complete a squad that manager Mikel Arteta hopes can defend the title — something Arsenal have not managed in almost a century.

With Barcelona willing to listen to offers for major players this summer as they aim to raise funds, the Premier League champions could now move for a star Arteta has admired for years.

Spanish outlet Sport has reported that after Ronald Araujo left Camp Nou on a loan move to Liverpool, the Blaugrana are also prepared to allow Jules Kounde to depart.

Manager Hansi Flick is believed to feel secure at right-back with World Cup winner Eric Garcia and La Masia product Xavi Espart, while Barça are still yet to sign a centre-forward following Robert Lewandowski's exit and would welcome substantial offers for players on the fringes.

Arsenal have tracked Kounde for a long time, and with the Frenchman's international team-mate William Saliba having limped off in a World Cup semi-final during the summer with a concerning back injury, Arteta is assessing his defensive options before the new season begins.

Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel have appeared slightly unconvincing together in central defence during pre-season, with Sport stating, “Arsenal would need to convince a player whom Hansi Flick no longer considers strategic.”

Towards the closing stages of last season, Liverpool and Manchester City were also said to be interested in Kounde, although the 27-year-old would require a significant transfer fee because of his experience and salary in Catalonia.

With Arsenal also keen on Ezri Konsa, Kounde may prove to be the more cost-effective solution, especially as Europa League winners Aston Villa are standing firm over the possibility of selling another first-team player to a Premier League rival.

FourFourTwo understands that attacking reinforcements remain Arsenal's priority, with Arteta unwilling to sign another defender unless the right chance emerges.

However, with the Arsenal manager recently admitting that Jurrien Timber is still “weeks away” from returning to action, the Gunners may yet need to make a move for either a centre-back or a right-back before the transfer window shuts.

Kounde is capable of playing in both roles, having featured more often as a full-back since joining Barcelona from Sevilla in 2022.

Transfermarkt values the Frenchman at €60m. Arsenal face Coventry City on Matchday 1 of their Premier League title defence.