There's plenty of business still to be done for Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta during a training session at Hotel Camiral de Caldes de Malavella on July 29, 2026 in Girona, Spain
Mikel Arteta is preparing his side to defend their Premier League title(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Mikel Arteta has just over a week until his Arsenal side kicks off their Premier League title defence against Coventry City.
However, the Gunners' immediate focus turns to Sunday's Community Shield clash with Manchester City. The Arsenal boss also remains on the hunt for further additions before the summer transfer window slams shut.
The north London side pulled off a major coup in signing Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United for £75million. The midfielder represents Arsenal's fourth senior signing of the summer - joining Piero Hincapie, Christos Tzolis, and Illan Meslier.
The Premier League giants may look in the direction of Barcelona for their next acquisition, while they may have been informed of the next career step of their reported £85m-rated target.
Defensive target emerges
Arsenal have made several attempts to secure defensive reinforcements this summer, but have so far drawn a blank. William Saliba's absence for "an extended period" leaves Arteta deprived of one of his most reliable defenders ahead of the new campaign.
The Premier League champions have held an interest in Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa but are poised to redirect their attention towards Barcelona's Jules Kounde, should the France international signal his willingness to consider a potential departure, according to Spanish outlet Sport.
Jules Kounde of FC Barcelona scores his team's third goal during the Copa del Rey Final match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid
Jules Kounde is a key player for Barcelona and France(Image: Getty Images)
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Reports suggest Arsenal are in the market for a centre-back capable of providing cover on the right side of defence. Kounde, 27, fits that profile perfectly - prior to his move to Barcelona, he operated in central defence at Sevilla before transitioning to full-back following his switch to the Catalan club, a role he also fulfils at international level.
Kounde is understood to represent a more cost-effective option compared to Konsa, whom the Europa League champions have valued at £60m. The Frenchman has reported for pre-season training in Spain and was instrumental in Barca's consecutive title victories.
£85m star open to England move
Bayer Leverkusen forward Christian Kofane has revealed he would welcome a move to the Premier League in the future. The 20-year-old made an impressive impact in his debut campaign with the Bundesliga outfit, contributing seven goals and nine assists across 44 appearances.
The striker faced the Gunners last season in the Champions League round of 16, catching the eye across both legs despite his side ultimately falling short. His agent Eric Depolo appeared to confirm that those displays prompted Arsenal to make inquiries, though he cautioned that any interested party would need to stump up £85m to secure his client's signature.
Christian Kofane celebrates
Christian Kofane has impressed at Bayer Leverkusen(Image: Photo by Jörg Schüler/Bayer 04 Leverkusen via Getty Images)
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He told Daily Arsenal earlier this year: "Yes, Arsenal's interest is genuine. The manager [Mikel Arteta] likes him very much. I think it is too early to say [which club is leading the race].
"But due to the fact that the player speaks Spanish, like Mikel Arteta, and that William Saliba is originally from Cameroon, I would say Arsenal are in pole position." Depolo added: "He is a €100million (£85m) player.
"With Kofane, Arsenal will have a top striker for the next 10 years." Speaking about a potential switch to England, Kofane told Kicker: "I can certainly imagine it, yes. It's one of the best leagues in the world. But I want to take it step by step. I'm young and still have big plans with Bayer Leverkusen."