Arsenal have enquired about the possibility of signing Jules Kounde, as they look to rival Chelsea in the pursuit of Sevilla’s defensive gem.
According to The Athletic, Arsenal have entered the race to sign Jules Kounde. They have enquired about the possibility of signing the Sevilla centre-back, who has attracted widespread interest from top clubs across Europe, following a successful campaign in La Liga.
The Spanish outfit, though, are not very keen on offloading their star player on a cut price and are expected to slap a £50 million price tag, especially amid interest from other English clubs including Chelsea and Manchester United.
Kounde is not a newbie at Sevilla, though, having joined the club in the summer of 2019. He was even a first-team regular for the club last season, but his performances in the ongoing campaign have particularly caught the attention of clubs around Europe, especially given the way the youngster has improved his ability to play out from the back.
The Frenchman has also built a formidable partnership alongside Diego Carlos, with his technical prowess combining well with his more robust partner – ultimately adding another dimension to the Sevilla backline that ended the 2020/21 campaign with the third-best defensive record in the league.
Arsenal’s interest in Koude, therefore, is hardly surprising as they look to sign a technically gifted centre-back that could fit in well under the tactical philosophy of Mikel Arteta. The club has struggled with the lack of quality from the likes of Rob Holding, David Luiz and even Gabriel Magalhaes, finishing eighth in back-to-back seasons in the Premier League.
The Gunners, therefore, are in need of an upgrade, especially in their defensive ranks. And that is where someone like Kounde could be a smart investment, having already established as one of the best young talents in Europe while also earning a call-up for France in the upcoming Euros.
Unfortunately for Arsenal, though, it is very unlikely that Kounde want to join Emirates, given the fact that the north London giants will not be participating in Europe next season. The club has also been on a downward trend over the past few seasons, so any move from Sevilla could be a downgrade.
Arsenal, though, are much better placed in their pursuit of other targets including Freddie Woodman, who could be a potential replacement for Bernd Leno as the German international faces an uncertain future at the club.
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As for the defensive options, the Gunners are one of many English clubs keeping an eye on Joachim Andersen, who is an excellent cost-effective alternative to Kounde, with Premier League experience.
