Arsene Wenger says player Arsenal are ready to bid £55m for is an absolute ‘monster physically’

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Arsenal are set to make some big moves in the summer transfer window.

The Gunners need reinforcements in several areas of their pitch, and Mikel Arteta will be hoping for a better window than last time.

Arsenal have to sign a new backup goalkeeper, at least one midfielder if not two, a winger and most importantly, a striker. A new left-back could be required too – perhaps someone who can play in the middle as well.

One position where Arsenal have plenty of options is right-back, but despite that, they have been linked with a move to sign a player there.

Arsene Wenger delivers verdict on Arsenal target Jules Kounde

Jules Kounde is one of Barcelona’s most important players.

The Frenchman has been at the Camp Nou since 2022, and he has played a key role for them. He has been brilliant this season as well.

But, on Tuesday night in the Champions League game between Barcelona and Inter Milan, Kounde missed out due to an injury.

Before the game, Arsene Wenger highlighted just how big a miss Kounde is for Barca and predicted that his absence could be decisive.

Unsurprisingly, Wenger was proved right, and his comments about Kounde may well explain why Arsenal are said to be interested in his services.

The legendary Frenchman said on beIN Sports: “Kounde is a guy, I believe, who makes Yamal strong as well. Because he is a monster physically. He is very intelligent, very generous.

Tonight, Dimarco on the left side can be dangerous as well for Inter Milan because the backbone of Yamal is not as strong as it is when Kounde is there.

“Kounde is an important player for the right centre-back and for Yamal. Today, that could be decisive in this game.”

Arsenal are ready to spend big money to sign Jules Kounde

Kounde will enter the final two years of his contract at Barcelona this summer.

The Catalans want to keep hold of him, but if he refuses to put pen to paper on a new deal, they will have to consider selling him.

The Sun claimed in April that Arsenal could launch a £55 million bid to sign Kounde this summer if Arteta ‘senses a deal is possible’.

The report added that ‘Arsenal’s Euro run and Prem near-misses could help turn the defender’s head’ if he decides to leave the Camp Nou.

Arsenal don’t need Kounde because they already have Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jurrien Timber available to play there.

But, if Arteta really wants him, Wenger’s comments should convince Arsenal fans that he would be a brilliant signing.