Arsenal were linked with Aston Villa and England’s Ezri Konsa even before Saliba’s injury blow and have stepped up their interest following the World Cup.
As a result Arsenal are looking at alternative targets and made an approach for Barcelona defender Kounde.
Kounde has spent four seasons at the Nou Camp after snubbing interest from the Premier League, most notably from Chelsea, to join Barcelona in 2022.
Barcelona and France star Jules Kounde (Picture: Getty)
The 27-year-old was also part of France’s World Cup squad and started the semi-final defeat to eventual winners Spain at right-back, showing the versatility which has made him such an interesting proposition for Arsenal.
Spanish outlet SPORT report that Kounde could be sold by Barcelona this summer and say Arsenal have made an approach to the La Liga giants.
It is claimed Arteta would ‘approve’ of Kounde’s arrival in north London but must convince Kounde to leave Barcelona, where he is settled despite losing his place in the team last season.
William Saliba suffered an injury at the World Cup (Picture: Reuters)
Barcelona, though, are open to selling Kounde as they look to revamp their defence and raise funds following a big-spending summer.
SPORT say that Bayern Munich have also expressed interest in Kounde, who cost Barcelona 50m euros four years ago.
England star and Arsenal target Ezri Konsa (Picture: PA)
Arteta wants Arsenal to retain their Premier League trophy this season but will be without Saliba for at least the start of the campaign.
‘William Saliba has returned to us from World Cup duty, where he played an integral role in France reaching the semi-finals of the competition,’ the Gunners said in a statement.
‘Subsequent specialist reviews on William’s return to London this week have confirmed that he has suffered a back injury which will require a period of rehabilitation.
‘Extensive assessments have concluded that surgery is not recommended, but William should now commence a managed recovery programme.
‘William’s rehabilitation will commence immediately, with continual management of his injury, and he is expected to be out of action for an extended period.
‘Everyone is fully focused on supporting William to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible.’
Arsenal, who begin their title defence against newly-promoted Coventry City, are also sweating over Jurrien Timber’s fitness ahead of the new season.
