Arsenal have been linked with a move for Barcelona star Jules Kounde in the summer transfer window as Mikel Arteta looks to dd to his options in defence
Jules Kounde
Jules Kounde has been linked with a move to Arsenal(Image: Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)
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The agent of rumoured Arsenal transfer target Jules Kounde has been spotted arriving at Barcelona’s training ground for talks. The Gunners have been mentioned as a potential destination for the France international in recent days as the summer transfer window rolls on.
Arsenal have signed three players so far this summer, with Illan Meslier, Christos Tzolis and Bruno Guimaraes added to the squad that won the Premier League title last season.
Mikel Arteta is yet to add a new defender to his options, but Kounde’s name is one of the latest to be mentioned on the Arsenal transfer rumour mill over the last few days.
Spanish news outlet Sport have reported that Arsenal have expressed an interest in signing Kounde, who is being viewed as a “perfect” addition to the Gunners squad as he suits Arteta's system and tactics. The report add that Arteta has thrown his weight behind the move.
There has now been a fresh update on Kounde, which could offer a hint that a move to Arsenal could be on the cards this summer. According to Jijantes FC, Kounde’s agent was spotted arriving at Barcelona’s training base, the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, on Wednesday.
It remains unclear as to the reason why Kounde’s agent would go to Barcelona’s training ground, with the timing suggesting that it could have a connection to the recent rumours of a potential transfer to Arsenal.
Kounde was given an extended summer break by Barcelona after reaching the World Cup semi-final with France, but has returned to pre-season training with the Spanish club this week.
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The centre-back, who can also operate at right-back, made 47 appearances for Barcelona last season, the majority of which were on the right side of a back four.
It remains to be seen what Arsenal’s plans are for the rest of the summer transfer window, with the links of a potential move for a new defender intensifying amid uncertainty around William Saliba’s return.
Saliba suffered an injury during the World Cup with France and could spend up to five months on the sidelines in recovery, and may even need surgery. Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa is also a target.
Jurrien Timber, meanwhile, has not featured in any of Arsenal’s four pre-season friendlies so far this summer, and returned to England from the club’s training base in Spain earlier this month. The Gunner have stressed that this decision was part of Timber’s rehabilitation plan rather than a fresh injury setback.
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