Arsenal have reportedly made a pre-summer offer to sign a Barcelona star for Mikel Arteta, with the La Liga title contenders and their president, Joan Laporta, responding to their ambitious approach.
Arsenal set to sign new defender for Mikel Arteta this summer
According to reliable media sources, the Gunners are set to try and sign a new defender for Arteta this summer.
Berta now planning "surprise" Arsenal move to sign unsettled Brazil int'l
He’s had a terrific season.
1 ByEmilio GalantiniApr 25, 2025
Kieran Tierney is set to join Celtic in July after agreeing a pre-summer contract in the January transfer window, while it is believed Oleksandr Zinchenko has been put on the transfer list by Arsenal after falling down Arteta’s pecking order.
Bournemouth (home)
May 3rd
Liverpool (away)
May 11th
Newcastle United (home)
May 18th
Southampton (away)
May 25th
Jakub Kiwior has started four of Arsenal’s last Premier League matches, as well as both Champions League quarter-final legs against Real Madrid, but this is only due to Gabriel Magalhaes being out for the rest of the season with a hamstring injury.
The Poland international has performed impressively in that time, but that hasn’t stopped Arsenal from looking at new options in that position ahead of the summer.
Arsenal are one of the contenders to sign Bournemouth starlet Dean Huijsen, as per David Ornstein, and have held talks with the Spaniard’s camp already – so it is unclear what the future would hold for Kiwior if he were to come in.
In any case, it is clear that the north Londoners are in the market for another centre-back, and it is also believed Arsenal could move to bring in another full-back as Tierney and Zinchenko head towards the exit door.
One player who could reinforce both positions with serious quality is £223,000-per-week Barcelona star Jules Koundé.
The France international has proved indispensable to Hansi Flick’s title favourites, playing more La Liga minutes than any other player in his Catalans squad, with only Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Dani Olmo averaging more key passes per 90 than him in the final third (WhoScored).
Kounde’s contributed excellently, both in an offensive and defensive sense, leaving little wonder why Arteta is a big admirer of the ex-Sevilla sensation.
Arsenal make pre-summer bid for Barcelona defender Jules Koundé
According to reports in Spain, as cited by Football 365, Arteta has become “obsessed” with Kounde following his excellent 2024/2025 – and Andrea Berta has made an early attempt to back Arsenal’s manager with a swoop for the 26-year-old.
It is believed Arsenal have made a pre-summer offer worth £55 million for Kounde, but Laporta has swiftly responded with a polite no, as the defender is seen as far too important to even consider selling.
It was always a tall order for Arsenal to tempt Barca into selling their star man, who can play both centrally and a full-back, but it is clear to see why they made a bold attempt to do so.
“I played against him in the Champions League,” said France international teammate Dayot Upamecano.
“He’s a confident player and I hope things continue that way. He’s also a leader and he’s beginning to have a lot of experience. I wish him all the best.”
