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Arsenal working on a deal to sign Barcelona star Kounde

By on September 19, 2024

Arsenal are reportedly working on a deal to sign Barcelona star Jules Kounde, as per the Spanish outlet Fichajes.

The Gunners already have a pretty strong defensive department but the sign of a well-run club is to keep improving the squad to continue fighting for big silverware.

With Takehiro Tomiyasu continuing to struggle with fitness problems after joining the club from Bologna, this would be the right time to start considering replacing him with an upgrade.

Fichajes states that Arsenal are keen on signing Kounde and have already started working on a deal to lure him to the Emirates Stadium. Mikel Arteta’s side are ‘willing’ to splash £42m to sign the Frenchman and although Hansi Flick is keen on keeping hold of him, Barcelona could be persuaded to cash-in on him if Arsenal make the offer due to their current difficult situation financially.

The Frenchman is a versatile player as he is comfortable playing in the centre-back position as well as the right-back role. He is quick, strong, good in the air, comfortable playing out from the back, efficient in defensive contributions and can also contribute going forward.

Kounde to Arsenal

After joining the Blaugrana from Sevilla, Kounde has established himself as a key player in the Catalan giants’ starting eleven over the last few years.

He helped them win the league title a few years ago and also guided France to reach the final of the World Cup in 2022. The defender has now enjoyed a stellar start to this season under the new manager Flick, helping his side win all five league games thus far.

Arteta likes to have versatile players at his disposal and Kounde would be an ideal option to play in his system. Therefore, the 25-year-old would be a great coup for the North London club if they purchase him.

However, it is going to be interesting to see whether the Emirates club can eventually manage to secure Kounde’s signature to strengthen the defensive department.

Meanwhile, Arsenal will face off against Atalanta in the opening Champions League fixture tonight before taking on Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday.