In a recent report, Nacional mentioned that Arsenal are eyeing a January move for Barcelona defender Jules Kounde. It has been claimed that the Gunners are open to launching a €50m offer to acquire the services of the French talent in the winter transfer period.
Kounde’s Impressive Run Of Form In La Liga This Season
Kounde has made a strong start to this campaign as he has already put in a few solid performances on the right side of Barca’s backline. The 25-year-old has featured in five matches for the Catalan giants in La Liga so far, scoring one goal and grabbing one assist.
The France international has been a positive influence at both ends of the field and deserves credit for averaging 2.0 tackles, 1.6 clearances, 0.8 shots, 1.0 key passes and 0.6 dribbles per game in La Liga. He was even excellent when distributing possession from the back based on his pass completion rate of 88% in the Spanish top flight (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at the Nou Camp will run out in the summer of 2027. Hence, it won’t be easy for Arsenal to get a deal done for him on the cheap in the January transfer period.
Is Kounde A Good Option For Arsenal Boss Mikel Arteta?
Kounde is a tough-tackling defender who usually puts his foot through the ball when the opposition are on the front foot. He can strike the ball with power from long range and has got the eye to play a few decisive passes from the right flank. The French sensation is a strong dribbler with the ball as well. He is primarily a right-back but can also fill in as a central defender if asked to do so.
We can expect Kounde to add a lot of quality to Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta’s defence. He is more than capable of challenging Ben White for a regular first-team spot at the North London club in the coming years.
At 25, Kounde has his peak years ahead of him which makes him a great option for the Gunners to consider this January. However, it remains to be seen whether the French defender can make a smooth transition to life in the Premier League.
