Arsenal kept alive their hopes of winning the Premier League title with a 5-1 win over London rivals Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Gabriel Jesus followed up his hat-trick against the Eagles in the Carabao Cup with a brace at Selhurst Park on Saturday, with Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice also on target.
The result leaves Mikel Arteta’s side third in the top flight table, six points behind leaders Liverpool having played one game more than the Reds.
Arteta could therefore look to use the January transfer window to bolster his squad, and it appears that the North London side are chasing a La Liga defender.
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes via GiveMeSport, Arsenal are hoping to agree a deal to sign Barcelona defender Jules Kounde when the transfer window reopens next month.
Kounde, 26, joined Barcelona from fellow Spanish side Sevilla just over two years ago and has since been a regular for his current side, making more than 100 appearances across all competitions.
Kounde is a target for Arsenal ahead of the January transfer window
The Frenchman has been involved in all 26 of Barca’s La Liga and Champions League matches so far this term, but the report claims that the Gunners will make an audacious attempt to land the player during the mid-season window.
Kounde is contracted to the Catalan side until 2027, but Arsenal are set to make an offer of around £62 million for the player next month.
The France international was previously linked with a move to Chelsea and the report suggests that he could be open to the prospect of moving to England.
His versatility may appeal to Arteta and those in charge of the Gunners’ recruitment, as he is able to play at right-back or as a central defender.