Reports coming out of Spain have linked Arsenal with a shock move for Barcelona defender Jules Kounde, and he has impressed at Euro 2024.
France have been resolute defensively, reaching the quarter-finals with just three goals in four games, but with Arsenal star William Saliba excelling in defence, they are yet to concede from open play.
Didier Deschamps’ side beat Belgium 1-0 in a turgid round of 16 tie, and Kounde was named the player of the match after a superb display at right-back.
Arsenal have been linked with the 25-year-old, but whilst he did perform well against Belgium, there was an even more impressive player in the back four, who would also be a more suitable signing for Mikel Arteta this summer.
Arsenal should pursue Theo Hernandez after incredible display in France Euro 2024 victory
France kept Belgium at bay, but they did have several scares throughout the game. Saliba, who was otherwise imperious, found himself caught on the ball once, with Yannick Carrasco bearing down on goal.
Left-back Theo Hernandez then got him out of jail, with the AC Milan star sprinting back to make an inch-perfect tackle, which he and his teammates celebrated like a goal.
Hernandez has been exceptional for Milan in the past few seasons, earning himself a starting spot for France, and he showed his class in both attack and defence in the victory.
With the clock ticking on, France found the breakthrough as Randal Kolo Muani forced an own goal off Jan Vertonghen. Hernandez played his part, with an excellent dribble before laying the ball off in the build-up to the goal.
Can Arsenal sign Theo Hernandez from AC Milan?
Mikel Arteta seemingly wants a specialist left-back, with uncertainty over Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior’s futures this summer.
Hernandez would be an ideal fit for the role given his excellence on the ball and his defensive strength, and a move cannot be ruled out just yet.
The 26-year-old has just two years remaining on his contract at Milan, and it was recently reported that if they cannot agree on a new deal, he could make an exit this summer as clubs circle around him.
Milan would reportedly want a minimum fee of £60m, but given his quality and age, this could be a worthwhile investment for Arteta to land a proven player in the left-back position who fits his style and has the potential to be a strong long-term option.
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