Arsenal have reportedly shown interest in Barcelona’s Dani Olmo as the Catalan club scrambles to register the Spanish international before the looming December 31 deadline.
If Barcelona fails to resolve the situation, Olmo could leave on a free transfer, igniting a transfer battle involving Arsenal, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - DECEMBER 15: Dani Olmo of FC Barcelona warms up prior to the LaLiga match between FC Barcelona and CD Leganes at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on December 15, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
Barcelona’s precarious financial situation has placed Dani Olmo’s future in jeopardy, despite his standout performances this season.
The €60m signing, who has scored five goals in seven league starts, remains unregistered for the second half of the season due to La Liga’s strict salary cap regulations. If Barcelona fail to resolve the issue by 31 December, Olmo could activate a clause in his contract allowing him to leave for free.
The Catalan club previously registered Olmo using temporary salary cap relief, granted due to long-term injuries to key players. However, no further allowances are available, and La Liga prohibits reapplying for a player licence mid-season. Sporting director Deco has publicly expressed confidence that a solution will be found, but time is rapidly running out.
Barcelona has pursued several options in a bid to stop this from happening. They have taken legal action, filing a complaint in Spain’s Commercial Court to secure Olmo’s registration. However, should the court reject their plea, Barcelona may resort to drastic measures, including releasing injured goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen to free up salary space. Loyalty, eh?
BARCELONA, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 03: Dani Olmo of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team's third goal with teammate Marc Casado during the La Liga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on November 03, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
For Arsenal, the potential availability of Olmo on a free transfer is intriguing. Mikel Arteta has consistently sought versatile, high-quality players, and Olmo’s ability to operate across the midfield and forward lines fits with Arsenal’s tactical approach. With his technical skill and creativity, Olmo could provide Arsenal with an additional edge in both domestic and European campaigns.
The Gunners are not alone in their interest, with Manchester City and Bayern Munich also reportedly monitoring the situation closely. However, Arsenal’s strong project under Arteta, combined with the club’s ability to offer regular playing time and a competitive environment, could make North London an attractive destination for the 26-year-old.
Meanwhile, Barcelona continues to explore alternative solutions, such as finalising a new deal with Nike or leveraging additional financial arrangements, including selling long-term VIP seats at the revamped Camp Nou. The club remains under significant pressure, and Olmo’s situation reflects the broader instability at Barcelona as they attempt to navigate their numerous financial problems.
With the deadline fast approaching, Arsenal fans will watch keenly to see if this unexpected opportunity materialises. Olmo’s potential availability could mark one of the most significant transfer sagas of the January window.
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