Arsenal are preparing to test Barcelona’s resolve this summer with a bold €60 million move for Jules Kounde, according to reports in Spain.

While the Gunners’ priority remains strengthening their attack, Fichajes claims manager Mikel Arteta is keen to bolster his defence too, and Kounde – called “world-class” by scout Jacek Kulig – has emerged as a prime target ahead of the summer transfer window.

Despite Barcelona’s stance that Kounde isn’t actively on the market, Arsenal believe the Catalan giants’ financial situation could force them to consider offers. The Gunners are prepared to offer €60m for the versatile defender, but the likes of Chelsea are reportedly in the race, too.

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Barcelona’s ongoing financial concerns, coupled with the delayed reopening of the Camp Nou, may leave them with little choice but to cash in. The club is said to value Kounde closer to €70m but could still accept Arsenal’s bid if they secure a suitable replacement. Man United were previously linked with a huge €100m move.

Arteta is reportedly drawn to Kounde’s ability to slot in at both right-back and centre-back, with Arsenal already having similar players who can play across the backline.

It’s thought that the Frenchman’s pace, distribution, and experience at the top level are seen as key assets that would enhance the Gunners’ backline.

Mikel Arteta has been urged to push ahead with a move for Joshua Kimmich this summer.

Kimmich has emerged as a top target for Arsenal as his contract talks at Bayern Munich continue to stall. The German has established himself as one of the Bundesliga’s top players since arriving at Bayern in 2015.

He has won eight league titles, three DFB-Pokals and the 2020 Champions League. But his contract with Bayern will expire at the end of this season and the German giants are struggling to tie him down to a new deal.

Those roadblocks have seen Arsenal become interested in the 30-year-old. Former Spurs star Michael Dawson has urged the Gunners to push to sign him, singling Kimmich out as the perfect man to replace Thomas Partey and Jorginho.

“I think he’s a very, very good player. He’s done it for a long time in Germany at the age of 30. His contract is coming to an end and it doesn’t look like it’s going to be renewed,” Dawson told Sky Sports.

“The reason Arsenal are probably looking at this is because you go, ‘Is Jorginho going to go? Is Thomas Partey going to go?’, so you need to replace them. And if he’s a free agent then you get the experience, the quality that he possesses and it’s a no-brainer really on that front.

“Kimmich, I can see why they would go for him, of course. The experience and what he could bring if those two players [Jorginho and Partey] do leave Arsenal. You’re bringing in someone who is tried and trusted… no-brainer.”

It has been reported that Bayern recently withdrew their latest offer of a new deal to Kimmich. The German is thought to be pushing for an increase on his current £320,000 per week wage packet.

According to Sky Germany, Arsenal are looking to take advantage of the situation and have already held talks with Kimmich over a move. He is said to interested in hearing what they have to say.

It is understood that has informed Bayern chiefs Max Eberl and Christoph Freund about the offers. Sporting director Eberl remains hopeful an agreement can still be reached with Kimmich over a renewal before the season comes to an end.

“Generally speaking, nobody is above the club,” he told German newspaper Bild. “If a player decides differently, then he decides differently. Things will continue at FC Bayern. We are not at that point with Kimmich.

“I’ve never given updates on negotiations, won’t be doing that now either because that’s inappropriate. We treat each other with big respect – we’re talking. What’s important is how Josh and we as a club treat each other.”

Bayern Munich keeping tabs on promising young talent from Ligue 1 after Borussia Dortmund failed to sign him from Lyon in the winter transfer

After extending the contract of Jamal Musiala, Bayern Munich still want to add another versatile forward/number ten to the squad. Florian Wirtz is Bayern’s top target for this role. The club chiefs have openly admitted interest in Bayer Leverkusen forward in the last few weeks.

Despite concrete interest in Wirtz, it is a difficult deal to pull off since Bayer Leverkusen have no interest in selling their best player to a Bundesliga rival. They will stick to their stance as they did last summer when Bayern tried to sign Jonathan Tah. Leverkusen never brought down their asking price even though there was a risk of losing Tah on a free transfer in 2025.

Bayern will have to keep backup targets in place if they fail to sign Wirtz in the summer. It does look like Lyon’s Rayan Cherki could be a potential backup option for Wirtz in the summer. According to SportBild (via iMiaSanMia), Bayern retained an interest in Cherki after he ended up staying at Lyon beyond the winter transfer window.

Borussia Dortmund tried to sign Cherki in January. They had an agreement with the player but couldn’t agree to a fee with Lyon. Cherki was reportedly available for a fee worth 22.5 million, but Lyon eventually decided to keep him until the end of the season.

The 22-year-old can play in all attacking positions behind the striker. He is enjoying a productive campaign with Lyon, racking up eight goals and 13 assists in 28 appearances across all competitions. There will be significant competition for his signature in the summer.

Xavi Simons is another option for Bayern in this role. They tried to sign the versatile Dutch attacking midfielder last summer, but RB Leipzig ended up agreeing to a loan deal with PSG. Leipzig have signed Simons on a permanent deal in January. However, Die Roten can certainly test Leipzig’s resolve with a bid in the summer.

Bayern Munich will also look to sign a winger in summer
Along with signing a versatile attacking player, Bayern will also strengthen their options on the flanks. They are looking to part ways with Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry in the summer, while the future of Leroy Sane is also looking uncertain.

Bayern have a concrete interest in Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens. The Bavarian club is also keeping a close eye on the situation of Nico Williams at Athletic Bilbao. Die Roten is looking at younger players to improve the quality of the age and bring down the average age of the squad.