With only one game left of the 2022/23 season, Arsenal's focus is now solely on the summer transfer window. Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu Gaspar are tasked with the difficult task of bridging the gap between themselves and Manchester City after falling short in the Premier League title race.
Arsenal were long leading the way at the top of the table this term, but were the architect of their own downfall with only two wins in their last eight games. Despite failure to go the distance, this season has been a memorable one as a whole, with Champions League football returning to the Emirates Stadium.
For the north Londoners to have any chance of competing domestically and in Europe, necessary additions will have to be signed. Alongside upgrading his options in midfield, Arteta is expected to look for improvements in defence after seeing his backline fracture from William Saliba's injury.
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It's been widely reported that the Spaniard is keen on recruiting a defender capable of playing at centre-back and right-back, providing competition to Saliba and Gabriel as well as Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu.
RB Leipzig's Mohamed Simakan is one candidate linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium. However, Arsenal could take advantage of Chelsea's misfortunes in the Premier League this season by swooping in for Barcelona defender Jules Kounde.
Naturally a centre-back, Kounde has spent the most part of this season as Barca's first-choice right-back - a move that has distressed the former Sevilla man.
Chelsea are said to be considering making a move for the France international, but their mass spending in the last year - partnered with failure to qualify for any European competition - means Todd Boehly will face difficulties to lure Kounde to Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal, however, are already preparing for a busy summer and are able to provide Champions League football. And despite Kounde costing close to £50m, his versatility makes him an unavoidable option - should he become available.
This season, Kounde has played 21 games at right-back or wing-back, whilst playing at centre-half 17 times. On the flank, he has created four goals and scored one, with him linking up with Raphinha when attacking.
His ability when on the ball puts him up there as one of the best, as a defender. FBRef has Kounde ranking in the 95th ranking for completed passes and progressive passes, and also the 93rd percentile for passes attempted when compared to defenders across the top five leagues.
He also ranks in the 96th percentile for passes into the final third. Defensively, the versatile star ranks in the 89th percentile for aerial duels won, making him a dominant force in the air.
Of course, Kounde would cost Arsenal a fairly sizable transfer fee, but he would be a great addition to Arteta's squad. Helping Barcelona to the La Liga title, in a position he's not completely familiar with, takes some doing.
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