Report: Arsenal want Jules Kounde, but £50m move may be unlikely

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal are interested in Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde, but The Athletic suggests that his desire to play in the Champions League could make an Emirates move unlikely.

Mikel Arteta may be setting his sights on quite the overhaul of his Arsenal squad this summer. It proved to be a hugely underwhelming campaign for the Spaniard’s side.

One area where the Gunners do not lack options, but do perhaps lack enough quality is at the heart of the defence. David Luiz, of course, is set to leave the club this summer.

The Athletic notes that signing a new right centre-back is a priority for Arsenal in the coming months. And Kounde is one of the names on their radar.

However, The Athletic suggests that the 22-year-old will cost around £50 million. And it is claimed that the Frenchman is likely to want to be playing in the Champions League next year.

Having the likes of Kounde, Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba in the ranks would leave Arsenal with an incredibly exciting group of defensive players.

Saliba will surely find himself in the fold next year. If he is not, Arteta is potentially asking for trouble should they fail to impress.

Meanwhile, Gabriel has enjoyed some bright moments in his first year with the club.

But Kounde could take the side to another level. He has been a stalwart of one of La Liga’s most impressive defences this term.

Unfortunately, it seems that Arsenal may need to be at their most persuasive if they hope to convince the youngster into a North London switch.