The agent of Barcelona defender Jules Kounde has been spotted at the club's training ground, with Arsenal reportedly among the clubs interested in signing the France international
Jules Kounde of France
Jules Kounde is reportedly a target for Arsenal (Image: Jose Breton/Getty Images)
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The agent of Barcelona star Jules Kounde is reported to have been spotted at the training base of the La Liga club. The update comes amid fresh rumours that Arsenal have expressed an interest in signing the France international before the summer transfer window closes.
Three new signings have been added to Arsenal’s squad that won the Premier League title last season, with Christos Tzolis, Illan Meslier and Bruno Guimaraes all moving to the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal have been linked with potentially strengthening their defensive options this summer, with Kounde, 27, mentioned as a potential target over the last few days.
Spanish outlet SPORT has reported that Arsenal have made their interest in Kounde known, with the defender viewed as a 'perfect fit' for the Gunners given his suitability to Arteta's style and system.
The report also claims that Arteta has firmly backed the potential deal.
A fresh development has now emerged regarding Kounde, which could hint that a transfer to Arsenal may genuinely be on the horizon this summer.
According to Jijantes FC, Kounde's agent was spotted arriving at Barcelona's training base, the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, on Wednesday.
The precise reason of the agent's visit to Barcelona's training ground remains unknown, though the timing has raised eyebrows and led many to speculate whether it is connected to the growing rumours surrounding a possible move to the Emirates.
Kounde was granted an extended summer break by Barcelona following France's run to the World Cup semi-final, but has now rejoined pre-season training with the Spanish club this week.
Jules Kounde
Jules Kounde featured for France at the World Cup this summer(Image: Europa Press Sports/Europa Press via Getty Images)
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The centre-back, who is also capable of playing at right-back, featured 47 times for Barcelona last season, predominantly on the right side of a back four.
It remains unclear what Arsenal's intentions are for the remainder of the summer transfer window, with speculation of a potential move for a new defender gathering pace amid doubts surrounding William Saliba's return.
Saliba picked up an injury during the World Cup with France and could face up to five months on the sidelines during his recovery, and may even require surgery. Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa is also being monitored.
Jurrien Timber, meanwhile, has been absent from all four of Arsenal's pre-season friendlies so far this summer, and travelled back to England from the club's training base in Spain earlier this month.
The Gunners have emphasised that this decision formed part of Timber's rehabilitation programme rather than a fresh injury setback.