**Almost three years ago, Arsenal were among the European clubs tracking 16-year-old Ivorian defender in Mohamed Koné during his youth academy days in Africa.**
However, Brazilian side Palmeiras moved quickly to secure a deal, bringing him to the club in 2023 and later tying him down to a professional contract in September 2025.
That agreement, which included a €100m (£86.5m) release clause, was designed to protect one of the club’s most promising assets. Chelsea were also attentive at the time, while Barcelona had even made an approach before his move to Brazil.
Since then, Koné has followed a structured development path. He is now 18, registered with Palmeiras’ first team, and building his experience with the U20 side as he prepares for a senior breakthrough.
Despite missing out initially, [**Arsenal have never fully stepped away**](https://sportwitness.co.uk/starlet-snubs-chelsea-and-arsenal-e2m-deal-e100m-clause-agreed/). It has simply moved into a new phase.
Arsenal monitoring enters new stage
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Fresh reports from [**Palmeiras-related insider outlets**](https://nossopalestra.com.br/noticias/time-da-inglaterra-monitora-zagueiro-africano-do-palmeiras-veja-detalhes/) make it clear the Premier League side are still closely following the defender’s progress.
This is no longer just background Arsenal interest carried over from his early career. Instead, it reflects ongoing tracking as Koné moves closer to first-team football in Brazil.
Importantly, there has been no formal bid so far. However, Palmeiras are already aware of the situation internally. The continued attention from Arsenal has put the club on alert, even at this early stage of the player’s senior pathway.
That detail matters. Clubs do not maintain this level of monitoring without a plan, especially when the player has yet to debut professionally.
Palmeiras investment and protection strategy
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Palmeiras’ approach helps explain why the situation remains under control for now.
The Brazilian side invested around €2m (£1.7m) to secure Koné, with additional clauses that could increase both their financial commitment and their share of his economic rights. Those include the possibility of further payments of roughly €1.3m (£1.1m), alongside performance-based bonuses.
Internally, Koné is seen as a dual project. He is expected to contribute on the pitch, but also to generate a significant future transfer.
That explains the careful management of his development. The club want him fully integrated into the senior squad in the near future, but without rushing the process.
What happens next
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For his next step, Koné needs first-team minutes. Once that happens, the dynamics could change quickly. Arsenal’s continued monitoring suggests they are positioning themselves early, rather than waiting for a full breakout season and increased competition.
For Palmeiras, the strategy remains one of control and value protection. Yet the presence of a €100m (£86.5m) clause, combined with sustained Premier League interest, means this is a situation that will keep evolving.
Arsenal may have lost the first battle for Koné. The wider story, though, is still very much open.