Mikel Arteta approves Arsenal deal to sign £42m Barcelona star
Barcelona have opened the door to Arsenal signing Jules Kounde after Mikel Arteta sanctioned a move for the defender, according to reports in Spain.
Arteta is keen to welcome a new centre-back to the Emirates Stadium after William Saliba injured his back during France’s World Cup campaign.
The Premier League champions have been vague about the severity of Saliba’s setback but said he would be out for an ‘extended period’ in a statement last month.
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.
Get the latest transfer news every morning
Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won’t be around next season.
But Villa value the 28-year-old at £60m and Arsenal have so far indicated they are only willing to pay around £40m.
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.
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.
Barcelona, though, are open to selling Kounde as they look to revamp their defence and raise funds following a big-spending summer.
Barca are still hoping to complete a huge deal for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez and are in talks with Manchester City to sign Rodri.
SPORT say that Bayern Munich have also expressed interest in Kounde, who cost Barcelona 50m euros four years ago.
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.
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
