Arsenal ready £55m bid to sign Jules Kounde from Barcelona as Mikel Arteta admires defender's versatility

WHAT HAPPENED?

The Sun has reported Arsenal are ready to make a significant move to bolster their defence with a bid for the Barcelona defender, who has played a crucial role in the Blaugrana's push to win the treble this season.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Kounde is under contract until 2027 and has established himself as a key part of the Barcelona defence. He has played 51 times in all competitions this season, scoring three goals and providing eight assists. However, a substantial offer for his services could be appealing to Barca in the sense that a sale would further improve what is now a less perilous financial situation.

DID YOU KNOW?

Despite becoming a regular at right-back, Kounde has expressed a preference for playing in the centre of defence. Gaining that opportunity at Arsenal would be difficult with William Saliba and Gabriel likely to remain as the preferred partnership. Gabriel is sidelined with a hamstring injury but is likely to be fit for the start of next season. However, Kounde's versatility in being able to play on the right and in the middle would give Mikel Arteta more flexibility to be able to contend with potential future injuries at the back.

WHAT NEXT FOR KOUNDE?

Transfer speculation is likely to be the furthest thing from Kounde's mind, with Barca set to face Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday before taking on Inter in the Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday. Arsenal face Paris Saint-Germain in the other semi-final on Tuesday. There is a distinct possibility Arsenal could face Kounde in the showpiece in Munich next month. That game could play a role in determining how aggressive they are in their pursuit of his services.