Mikel Arteta urges Arsenal to sign Barcelona defender despite being involved in talks over Riccardo Calafiori transfer: Reports

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is reportedly pushing for the club to sign Barcelona defender Jules Kounde despite closing in on a deal for Riccardo Calafiori. The versatile Italian left-back is set to join the Gunners from Serie A side Bologna.

Arteta isn't stopping there as he has his sights set on further strengthening his defense with the addition of Kounde, per El Nacional. The Premier League giants are prepared to offer €50 million for the Frenchman.

Kounde, 25, was superb for Barcelona last season, displaying his versatility. The former Sevilla defender made 48 appearances across competitions, helping his side keep 18 clean sheets. He also chipped in with two goals and four assists.

Arteta thinks Kounde can improve his defense, which likely means he's viewed as Ben White's replacement. The English defender has predominantly been Arsenal's first-choice right-back and has rarely put a foot wrong.

The Gunners are edging close to signing Calafiori from Bologna, which raises questions about a Kounde pursuit. The Italian, who can also play at center-back, is joining in a reported €50 million deal

Barcelona want to keep Kounde despite their worrying financial situation. The Catalans' president, Joan Laporta, and new manager, Hansi Flick, value him highly. The latter plans his team with the Frenchman as a key man.

Kounde desires to remain at Camp Nou, where he has become a fan favorite. He has three years left on his contract with the Blaugrana.

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Barcelona were reportedly eyeing Arsenal's William Saliba before opting for Jules Kounde

William Saliba could have headed to Camp Nou.

Kounde has flourished at Barcelona, and his France teammate, William Saliba, has excelled at Arsenal. The 23-year-old center-back signed for the Gunners from Ligue 1 outfit St-Etienne in July 2019 for €30 million.

Saliba has become arguably one of the best defenders in the Premier League. Last season, he helped Arteta's side to the best defensive record, conceding just 29 goals in 38 league games.

However, Saliba's first years as an Arsenal player were spent in France, as he was sent on loan back to St-Etienne and Marseille. Speculation grew that Arteta didn't want him, leading to talk of a move to Barcelona.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that Saliba was on Barca's list of alternatives if they failed to sign Kounde. This ensued during the summer transfer window of 2022.

Kounde instead arrived at Camp Nou while Saliba returned to the Emirates, and his meteoric rise in English football began. He's been a standout performer in the two past seasons and is tipped to become an all-time great.