Arsenal information: £135m swoop deliberate after agent claims Gunners ‘in pole place’ for star
Arsenal are keen to make new signings before the new Premier League season begins with Mikel Arteta eyeing a move for two stars
Mikel Arteta can splash the cash again this summer
Mikel Arteta wants to strengthen Premier League champions Arsenal and has eyes on a £135m double swoop.
The Gunners faced a stern test in a pre-season friendly on Wednesday evening as they were held to a 1-1 draw by club legend Cesc Fabregas’ Italian outfit Como. But after the painful defeat on penalties against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final in May, this time around the North London giants triumphed in a shootout.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – linked with a move away from the club – opened the scoring, before Martin Baturina scored a spectacular equaliser for Como, then new arrival Christos Tzolis scored the winning penalty. Next up is Manchester City in the Community Shield on Sunday, before facing Coventry City on the opening day of the new campaign. Here’s all the latest news from the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta during an Arsenal pre-season training session(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Barcelona target emerges
Arsenal have been trying to sign defensive reinforcements this summer, but so far without success.
William Saliba’s absence for “an extended period” leaves Arteta short of one of his top defenders ahead of the new season, reports the Mirror.
The Premier League champions have shown interest in Aston Villa ace Ezri Konsa, 28, but are set to shift their focus to Barcelona defender Jules Kounde, if the France international is open to a potential move, according to Spanish publication Sport.
Jules Kounde’s future at Barcelona remains unclear(Image: Gongora/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The outlet suggests Arsenal are seeking a centre-back who can also provide cover on the right flank of defence.
Kounde, 27, certainly matches that profile as before his move to Barcelona, he operated in central defence for Sevilla before transitioning to full-back following his switch to the Catalan side, a role he also fulfils for his country.
Kounde is reportedly viewed as a more affordable option than Konsa, who has been priced at £60million by the Europa League winners.
The Frenchman, who could cost around £50m, has returned for pre-season preparations in Spain and was instrumental in Barca’s consecutive title successes.
£85m star open to Premier League move
Christian Kofane of Bayer Leverkusen(Image: Mika Volkmann/Getty Images)
Bayer Leverkusen sensation Christian Kofane has admitted he would welcome a move to the Premier League.
The 20-year-old made a strong impression during his maiden campaign with the Bundesliga outfit, registering seven goals and nine assists across 44 appearances.
The forward faced the Gunners last season during the Champions League last 16 and demonstrated his quality in both encounters despite his team falling short.
His representative Eric Depolo appeared to suggest his displays prompted the Gunners to make enquiries about his availability, though cautioned they would need to stump up £85m to secure his services.
He told Daily Arsenal earlier this year: “Yes, Arsenal’s interest is genuine. The manager [Mikel Arteta] likes him very much. I think it is too early to say [which club is leading the race].
“But due to the fact that the player speaks Spanish, like Mikel Arteta, and that William Saliba is originally from Cameroon, I would say Arsenal are in pole position.”
Depolo added: “He is a €100million (£85m) player. With Kofane, Arsenal will have a top striker for the next 10 years.”
Speaking about a potential move to England, Kofane told Kicker: “I can certainly imagine it, yes. It’s one of the best leagues in the world. But I want to take it step by step. I’m young and still have big plans with Bayer Leverkusen.”
