Arsenal exploring a move for 6ft 6in French defender as Konsa alternative
Arsenal are considering a move for highly-rated Brest defender Raphael Le Guen as they continue assessing options to strengthen Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s defence.
The 19-year-old has emerged as another name on the Gunners’ shortlist during the closing stages of the transfer window, although Crystal Palace are currently pushing more strongly for his signature.
According to Foot Mercato, Arsenal are interested in Le Guen but presently favour recruiting a more experienced defender who can immediately compensate for William Saliba’s absence.
Saliba is facing an extended spell on the sidelines after aggravating a back problem during France’s World Cup campaign, while Jurrien Timber is also still working his way back from injury.
Those absences have encouraged Arsenal to explore the centre-back market despite already possessing several defensive options.
Le Guen represents a different profile from some of their leading targets, with the Frenchman standing at 1.98 metres — approximately 6ft 6in — and still at the beginning of his senior career.
He made his Brest first-team debut against Lens in August 2025 and signed his first professional contract in January, committing himself to the Ligue 1 club until 2029.
Arsenal would therefore be investing primarily in Le Guen’s considerable potential rather than acquiring the proven Premier League defender Arteta is thought to prefer for the immediate Saliba problem.
That distinction could be important because Arsenal have already explored deals for Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa and Bayer Leverkusen’s Jarell Quansah.
Konsa has been valued at around £60 million by Villa, creating a sizeable gap between the clubs, while Leverkusen have been reluctant to sanction Quansah’s departure only a year after signing him from Liverpool.
Le Guen could consequently represent a younger alternative if Arsenal decide the prices demanded for their more established targets do not represent good value.
However, the Gunners would have competition for his signature.
Crystal Palace remain in discussions over a deal and their project is reportedly attractive to Le Guen, particularly because of the opportunity to work under French coach Pierre Sage.
Fulham are also monitoring the situation as they consider additions to their own defence.
Arsenal’s interest nevertheless fits with the club’s broader attempt to recruit emerging talent alongside players capable of immediately strengthening Arteta’s title-winning squad.
Whether Le Guen satisfies their more urgent requirement is another matter.
With Saliba unavailable, Arsenal appear to want a defender ready to assume significant first-team responsibility immediately, potentially leaving Le Guen as an intriguing alternative rather than their priority.
The post Arsenal exploring a move for 6ft 6in French defender as Konsa alternative first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.
