Arsenal have seen a substantial bid for a key defensive target knocked back this week. The Premier League side tabled an offer worth €65 million for Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Odilon Kossounou, but the proposal was swiftly rejected.
Leverkusen are understood to value the 25-year-old Ivorian international at between €70 million and €75 million. The Bundesliga club's firm stance presents a significant hurdle for Arsenal, who are looking to strengthen their backline after a heavy 3-0 defeat at Brighton last weekend. That result left Mikel Arteta's side second in the standings, three points behind leaders Manchester City. The Gunners have had a mixed start to the season, winning four and losing one of their opening five matches, a form they will hope to improve upon in their upcoming fixtures.
Kossounou's contract and clause
Complicating the potential transfer is a reported buy-back clause held by Liverpool, where Kossounou spent a season earlier in his career. The existence of this clause, the exact value of which is not public, could give the Merseyside club an advantage if they choose to enter the race for the player. For now, Arsenal are the only club to have made a formal approach, but they face a clear financial gap to secure a deal.
Arteta is known to be an admirer of Kossounou's physical and technical qualities. The defender has been a mainstay for Leverkusen, making over 150 appearances since joining from Club Brugge. His potential arrival would provide competition for a defensive unit currently missing William Saliba, who is listed on the club's injuries page, through injury.
The pursuit comes as Arsenal assess their squad depth, with detailed player profiles available on the squad page. With the transfer window now closed in England, any move for Kossounou would have to wait until January, giving Arsenal time to reconsider their strategy.
