Arsenal eyeing deal for Barcelona star

Arsenal are exploring the possibility of signing Barcelona defender Jules Kounde ahead of the new season, according to Sport.

The Gunners are short in the backline at the moment due to untimely injuries. William Saliba won't be operating in the heart of the defence for the next few months after a back injury during the World Cup.

Jurrien Timber has been Arsenal's preferred right-back for some period of time, but the Dutchman will be out of action for several more weeks as he continues to recover from a nagging groin issue.

This has opened the possibility of landing a new signing, and reports claim that Arsenal are weighing up a move for Kounde. The Frenchman's future is hanging in the balance, and he could leave the Blaugrana for the right fee.

Kounde is reportedly valued at around £50 million, and Arsenal see him as a genuine candidate for the centre-back and right-back positions if they can't persuade Aston Villa to sell Ezri Konsa.