Chelsea could have handed Arsenal a major blow in the summer transfer window by completing the signing of Jules Kounde. The 23-year-old defender was heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in the summer but opted for Camp Nou instead.
football.london understood that the Blues were 'extremely confident' of signing Kounde as part of a £68million deal, with Barcelona up against outstanding debt. But, after a number of economic levers were pulled and sales were made, the Spanish giants gathered together some cash and beat the west Londoners to the France international's signature.
But, according to Fabrizio Romano, if Chelsea had completed a move for Kounde, then Xavi's side would have set their sights on William Saliba. The report states that the Arsenal star was Barcelona's priority in the event that they surrendered the defender's signature to the Blues.
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So, had Todd Boehly signed Kounde then the Catalan side would have focused their efforts on Saliba. And, with the Frenchman enjoying a great start to life at the Emirates Stadium, Mikel Arteta has his London rivals to thank.
Saliba, who sees his current deal with Arsenal expire in 2024, has featured eight times for the Gunners so far this season, helping the north Londoners concede just eight goals in that spell. As his reputation grows as one of the world's best young defenders with just two years remaining on his current deal, increasing doubt has been cast over his future at London Colney.
And, having been compared to Liverpool defender Vigil van Dijk already, clubs will soon begin to swoop in unless Arsenal can tie him down to an extension. Speaking to Football Insider, as quoted by Football Transfers ahead of the season, Kevin Campbell said: "If Virgil van Dijk is a Rolls Royce, Saliba is a Bentley.
"He is never flustered, and his passing is a lot better than a lot of people give him credit for,'' the former Gunners and Everton striker added. ''He is smart, quick, strong, physical, powerful and does not make mistakes. I think he needed that extra year at Marseille if I am honest.
"I think that has really helped his confidence. Now when you see him play at Arsenal, and I know it is pre-season, he looks mature. We will find out a lot more when the season starts but from what I can see, Arsenal have got an absolute gem here. He is such a calming influence at the back."
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