Arsenal are showing serious interest in Barcelona defender Jules Kounde as Mikel Arteta searches for another defensive signing.
The France international has emerged as an alternative to Ezri Konsa, with Arsenal reluctant to meet Aston Villa’s valuation for their leading centre-back target.
Arteta wants to strengthen his defensive options before the transfer window closes, with William Saliba sidelined and Jurrien Timber still working his way back towards full fitness.
Kounde’s ability to operate at both centre-back and right-back makes him an obvious fit for the type of versatile defender Arsenal have been targeting.
🚨Arsenal are interested in signing Jules Kounde from Barcelona.
The centre-back will be allowed to leave the Spanish giants this summer if a suitable offer arrives.
Mikel Arteta is a big fan of the 27-year-old.
[@sport] pic.twitter.com/ugxRCjg9fG
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) August 11, 2026
SPORT, via GOAL, reports that Arsenal have shown serious interest in Kounde as they consider alternatives to Konsa.
Aston Villa value the England international at around £60million or more, leaving Arsenal some distance away from an agreement.
Barcelona could be willing to consider a significant offer for Kounde as they attempt to raise funds for further summer business.
The 27-year-old signed a new contract until 2030 last year and has previously made clear that he would prefer to remain in Barcelona. Any deal would therefore still require Arsenal to convince both club and player.
Kounde could nevertheless solve several problems for Arteta.
He has extensive experience playing centrally and at right-back, which would give Arsenal immediate cover for Saliba while also reducing the pressure on Timber and Ben White.
ReadArsenal reported on Sunday that Arteta still wants to add to his squad, with Arsenal’s defensive injuries increasing the importance of finding another reliable option before the Premier League season begins.
Konsa appears to remain Arsenal’s preferred target, but Villa’s demands have created an opportunity for other names to enter the conversation.
Kounde would not necessarily be cheaper, but his versatility and experience at the highest level make him a logical alternative if negotiations with Villa fail to progress.
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