Journalist Fabrizio Romano has played down speculation suggesting that Arsenal could make a move for Barcelona defender Jules Kounde.

Following the serious knee injury sustained by Jurrien Timber, Kounde has been suggested as a potential replacement, with Barca said to be considering selling the Frenchman for €60m (£51m) to €70m (£60m) in order to cut costs. However, Romano claims the Gunners are not pursuing the player:

“I’m aware there have been some reports of Arsenal looking at Jules Kounde as someone to replace Jurrien Timber. My understanding, however, is that both Xavi and Kounde have always been very clear, they want to keep going together at Barca, so at the moment the situation is quiet. In any case, Kounde would cost a lot of money; not a cheap deal at all. I’m not aware of concrete contacts at this stage.”

Kounde’s ability to play both as a centre-back and right-back means he would fit the profile for what manager Mikel Arteta is looking for but, as Romano says, the cost of the transfer would be too much.

Arsenal will be seeking cheaper alternatives

Barcelona beat Chelsea to Kounde’s signature when they paid €50m to snap him up from Sevilla last year and the fact that his asking price could now be higher than that means he will be outside of the Gunners’ price range.

After spending well over £200m on four new signings, the club are restricted in terms of Financial Fairplay regulations. Consequently, they will have to seek out economical solutions if they want to replace Timber this summer.

The likes of Leicester’s Timothy Castagne, Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters and Real Valladolid’s Ivan Fresneda have been suggested as potential options, but it is still a possibility that the club will opt against signing another player before the transfer window closes.