Arsenal and Manchester United have similar squad needs, therefore it is inevitable the two English giants will end up clashing heads in the transfer market. Both Mikel Arteta and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer are in it for the long-run so the calibre of players they’re looking for are pretty much identical.
Arsenal’s win against Tottenham recently proved many things, but not least that they need to sharpen up their defending. Too easy did Erik Lamela come on to find space, in what was one of Tottenham’s only opportunities of the game.
The defenders that the Gunners have available to them are very good and have proven to only become better under Arteta’s tutelage, especially David Luiz who has shown great improvement. But they need greater depth and more options so Arteta can craft the perfect defensive four.
Arsenal will rival Manchester United for this defender
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According to a report from Express, Arsenal and Manchester United are both showing interest in the 22-year-old Sevilla defender Jules Kounde. Kounde has had a phenomenal season, showing great form and playing pretty much every minute of La Liga football with Sevilla.
Kounde is a very physically demanding player that likes to battle with his opponent for possession of the ball. Given Arsenal’s oftentimes permeable defence, he would be a solid addition and perfect to combine with either Luiz or Gabriel. He is also a good passer of the ball, being a new-wave mould defender.
Of course, Manchester United have greater pull than the Gunners and more financial backing. However, should the North London side manage to qualify for the Champions League next season, either through their league finish or winning the Europa League, they will stand a much better chance. Besides, there are rumours they will look to splash the cash this summer, after they didn’t last time out.
Do you think Arsenal will sign Jules Kounde?