Arsenal’s title hopes have repeatedly faltered this season, with injuries significantly disrupting their progress under Mikel Arteta after several close calls.

Martin Odegaard has been a key creative force in recent years, but his absence due to an ankle injury deprived the team of its primary playmaker, resulting in poorer outcomes.

Additionally, the defense has been riddled with setbacks, leading to inconsistent backline pairings and a lack of stability. This has undoubtedly weakened Arsenal’s challenge against Premier League leaders Liverpool.

Recently, several injured players have returned, helping the team recover form, as evidenced by their commanding 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday night.

Arteta may soon address defensive concerns, with the January transfer window approaching.

With William Saliba and Gabriel forming the current center-back pairing, any addition would likely take a right-sided role but face stiff competition from the existing defensive lineup at the Emirates.

Why Kounde could be like White & Timber

Ben White and Jurrien Timber have often shared the right-back role this season, often covering for one another during the respective injury lay-offs.

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Englishman White has been missing since the start of November with a knee issue, allowing the Dutchman to stake his claim for a regular starting role after missing the vast majority of his debut year in England with an ACL injury.

However, both of the aforementioned players are similar to the Barcelona star in the fact they have both featured centrally, before being utilised in a full-back role – highlighting their versatility under the Gunners boss.

Their similarities are further reflected by FBref, ranking the two Arsenal stars as similar players to Kounde based on their respective figures in the Champions League so far this campaign.

When delving into their stats, the comparison is understandable, with the Frenchman bettering the pair in various key areas across the pitch.

The “world-class” talent, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has more combined goals and assists in Europe, also managing more progressive carries per 90 – showcasing his talent with the ball at his feet.

However, he’s been just as impressive out of possession, making more blocks per 90 and making more recoveries to get himself into defensive positions.

The fee touted would be yet another mammoth investment from the club’s hierarchy, but it’s clear for all to see how much he would bolster Arteta’s defensive department.

Arsenal’s backline has taken a battering in recent times, with Kounde’s potential arrival handing the club the added depth needed if they are to mount a title charge during the second half of the season.