According to Sport, Arsenal are monitoring Koundé because of his ability to operate both at right-back and in central defence. Arteta is said to be particularly keen on the 27-year-old, whose flexibility could make him an attractive option for the Premier League club.
Koundé’s future at Barcelona is therefore worth watching despite the defender having a contract that runs until 2030. Sport reports that the Catalan club would consider an offer if the financial package were sufficiently attractive.
Reports have placed Barcelona’s asking price at more than €50 million, a figure that would make any move a significant investment. Koundé has also been linked with Bayern Munich during the summer, while Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly another club keeping an eye on the situation.
The interest is understandable given Koundé’s unusual defensive profile. Although he is frequently deployed on the right, he arrived at Barcelona as a centre-back after establishing himself in that role at Sevilla, before gradually becoming a fixture at right-back. Barcelona confirmed his contract extension through June 2030 last year.
That flexibility is precisely what could appeal to Arteta. Arsenal have increasingly sought defenders capable of covering different roles, allowing the manager to alter his defensive structure without making wholesale changes to personnel.
Koundé has also continued to operate at the highest level for both club and country. His experience with France would add another layer to Arsenal’s defensive options, while his familiarity with elite European competition means he would not be arriving as an untested prospect.
The major question is financial. Barcelona have little reason to give away a player tied down for another four seasons, so any serious approach would have to reflect his contract situation as well as his importance to the squad.
That does not necessarily mean Koundé is untouchable. Reports earlier in the summer indicated that Barcelona could listen to serious offers, while Premier League clubs have continued to monitor the France international.
For Arsenal, Koundé could provide cover on the right while giving Arteta another experienced option in the centre. For Barcelona, however, a sale would leave them needing to decide whether the fee generated is worth losing one of their most adaptable defenders.
With Sport now reporting Arsenal interest and Arteta personally said to be an admirer, Koundé’s situation is one to monitor as the transfer window moves towards its conclusion.