Tottenham Hotspur are preparing a move that could have serious ramifications for Arsenal.
North London's bitter foes are no strangers when it comes to fighting it out for transfer targets, having competed for several players in the past – most notably, this summer, Sandro Tonali, who chose Tottenham after starting the window as Arsenal's first-choice target in midfield.
With plenty of business left to be done this summer, it would seem that there may yet be overlap in who the two clubs look to recruit, starting with a Spurs move on the horizon.
Tottenham Hotspur in for long-time Arsenal defensive target
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Tottenham are weighing up a move for Jules Kounde of Barcelona for around €65 million.
With captain Cristian Romero having agreed an exit from N17, Spurs have already signed Jan Paul van Hecke to replace him, but further reinforcements could well be made before the end of the window, with the report claiming the Lilywhites are “keen on Kounde for his versatility” in being able to play on the right or in the centre of defence.
Signing the Frenchman would be a huge coup, given that he has been a long-term target down the Seven Sisters Road.
Arsenal are understood to be on the hunt for defensive cover themselves, with William Saliba's participation in the first half of the season unclear after suffering a back injury at the World Cup.
Given the injury issues suffered by Jurrien Timber and Ben White in recent months, Arsenal could do with someone to deputise at right-back, too.
While Tottenham have not made a formal offer as yet, the interest is said to be hinging on whether Barça choose to cash in on Kounde.
The Catalan giants are expected to move for a centre-forward before the transfer window closes, with any bid of €60m or above for Kounde well worth consideration.
FourFourTwo understands that Arsenal currently aren't looking to the 27-year-old as they look to keep costs down in their pursuit of Bruno Guimaraes and Vinicius Jr, but with Spurs looking to bolster their defence, another right-back could well arrive before deadline.
Pedro Porro, however, proved himself as one of the standouts in his position over the World Cup, and it is unlikely that Roberto De Zerbi will want to replace him in his system.
Kounde is valued at €60m by Transfermarkt. Spurs travel to Brentford on the first day of the new Premier League season.
