Arsenal are interested in signing Barcelona defender Jules Kounde

Arsenal are keen to sign Barcelona full-back Joao Cancelo this summer

Arsenal eye Barcelona’s Jules Kounde amid defensive rebuild

Arsenal have set their sights on Barcelona defender Jules Kounde, according to esteemed journalist Gerard Romero.

The Gunners are actively searching for defensive reinforcements this summer and Kounde has emerged as a prime target.

Despite the interest, Barcelona is holding firm, insisting that only a substantial offer will prompt them to consider a sale.

Kounde, a standout in La Liga, has impressed with his versatility and exceptional distribution. Since joining Barcelona in 2022, he has demonstrated his capabilities both as a right-back and a centre-back, completing 91 percent of his passes last season and winning 55 percent of his ground and aerial duels.

His defensive stats are equally impressive, with 2.2 clearances and 4.5 ball recoveries per game, contributing to 15 clean sheets.

However, Arsenal faces a potential hurdle. The club already boasts a strong right-sided defensive line with William Saliba and Jurrien Timber.

Timber’s ability to play at right-back further solidifies this position, making a move for Kounde seem unlikely. The Gunners appear more inclined to bolster the left side of their defense, especially with Jakub Kiwior’s future uncertain.

This speculation may also be a strategic move by Kounde’s agent to spark interest from other clubs. While Arsenal’s interest is genuine, the practicality of signing Kounde remains questionable given their current roster.

Instead, they might pursue a more fitting candidate like Bologna’s Riccardo Calafiori to address their defensive needs.

Arsenal fans will watch closely as the transfer window unfolds, hoping for strategic signings that strengthen their squad for the upcoming season.