Mikel Arteta wants Arsenal to pursue the Barcelona star (Picture: Getty)Barcelona have opened the door to Arsenal signing Jules Kounde after Mikel Arteta sanctioned a move for the defender, according to reports in Spain. Arteta is keen to welcome a new centre-back to the Emirates Stadium after William Saliba injured his back during France’s World Cup campaign. Arsenal were linked with Aston Villa and England’s Ezri Konsa even before Saliba’s injury blow and have stepped up their interest following the World Cup. As a result Arsenal are looking at alternative targets and made an approach for Barcelona defender Kounde. SPORT say that Bayern Munich have also expressed interest in Kounde, who cost Barcelona 50m euros four years ago.