Arsenal: 5 transfer targets being tracked at Euro 2020

It’s the European Championships! In other words, a wonderfully timed tournament to take minds away from the daily summer transfer window grind as Arsenal supposedly miss out on players they probably weren’t linked with anyway.

But that does not mean that this isn’t time to switch off entirely. In many ways it can be viewed as a glorified scouting mission – which, in truth, it 100% is for football clubs. It was Euro 2008 that prompted Arsenal to splash out on Andrey Arshavin, after all.

As fans try to cram in every single game they can (not too hard since they’re spread out quite nicely) certain names will crop up as the breakout stars only to be linked with every single major European side before they’ve even gone in for half-time.

It’s an excellent opportunity not only to unearth some gems, but also to get a good look at players who are already on your radar. Perform at the highest level and surely you’ll do a better job than Sead Kolasinac or Mohamed Elneny.

Arsenal: 5 transfer targets being tracked at Euro 2020 by Mikel Arteta and Edu ahead of summer window

Arsenal have their own lists drawn up just as all other sides will do, one The Athletic have revealed features at least four names on.

Mikel Arteta has multiple positions to fill before 31 August, some which are being worked on if reports are to be believed, and some that have been almost completely unmentioned up until this point. None of that is overly surprising given there are 12 weeks of negotiations and scouting to come before the window slams shut, so patience is need.

Euro 2020 could ramp up some moves, though. Player value can drastically alter based on just one or two performances, for better or for worse.

Just being involved in the tournament can increase value but the following list blends some potential coups as well as some deals that will truly test the KSE piggybank. Or could it be the Daniel Ek piggybank?

Enough of that, here’s who Arsenal are scouting during Euro 2020.

Jules Kounde – France & Sevilla

This one just won’t go away. Amid France’s embarrassment of riches at centre-back – Ibrahima Konate, Dayot Upamecano and Aymeric Laporte didn’t even make the senior squad before the latter switched allegiances – it’s testament to Jules Kounde’s ability that he’s earned a first senior squad call-up.

On first glance his height would raise concerns. Standing at 5’10”, he isn’t the archetypal central defender, but once the game kicks off he dispels any fears.

Already truly outstanding, Kounde is waltzing his way towards the world-class bracket. Few defenders across the continent blend off the ball aggression, technical composure and progressive qualities with such harmony; especially not 22-year-old’s with just four seasons of top-flight football under their belts.

Excelling in every department, his progressive carries, dribbles completed and pressure success rate are all worthy of the top 1% for centre-backs across Europe. The kind of player any side would want, right? Precisely.

Kounde remains ‘high on Arsenal’s’ list of desired right centre-backs and no fan wouldn’t welcome him with open arms, but with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Chelsea all after his signature, one worth no less than £50m, the Gunners’ pursuit is fairly pointless. All three of those sides boast the Champions League football he’s after, so for all Arsenal’s interest, they will inevitably fall short.

But, they’re still tracking him and if he makes his way into the France starting lineup, everyone who hasn’t seen him will know why.