Arsenal could complete one of the biggest transfers of the summer, according to reports in Spain - with the Gunners making Frenkie de Jong a 'big summer target' with Barcelona looking unlikely to keep their Dutch metronome.
The midfielder, who joined Barcelona from Ajax in 2019, has spent six years in La Liga, becoming a real star under various managers and excelling as a consistent member of the team throughout the years. But with his future in the Iberian Peninsula uncertain, he could be on his way out of the club with Arsenal thought to have put him towards the front of their shortlist.
Report: Arsenal Make De Jong 'Big Summer Target'
The Barcelona star has been a consistent member of their squad for over half a decade
Frenkie de Jong
The report by Fichajes states that Arsenal have made De Jong a 'big summer target', with the Gunners seeing the Dutchman as a key player to strengthen the heart of their midfield ahead of next season.
Frenkie de Jong's La Liga statistics - Barcelona squad ranking
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Key Passes Per Game
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Barcelona face financial difficulties, and could be forced to listen to offers for the midfielder given their lack of progress on the renewal of his contract. Mikel Arteta wants to add tactical intelligence to his side, and he sees De Jong as the 'ideal' partner for Declan Rice in the centre of midfield alongside supporting Martin Odegaard in the final third of the pitch.
Although his £410,000-per-week contract runs until next summer, Barcelona's difficulty in renewing his deal at a lower wage and the financial pressure on the club means that they've administered a sale, which seemed unlikely just a year ago.
De Jong has appeared comfortable in Catalonia, but the current situation is forcing him to consider his options and Arsenal could be a top selection given the richness of the Premier League, alongside his 'world-class' status.
The Gunners already have Rice and Mikel Merino able to play in the defensive midfield positions, but with Jorginho set to be on his way out of the club in the summer and Thomas Partey's future remaining uncertain, he could be an ideal option alongside Martin Zubimendi, who Fabrizio Romano previously revealed to be firmly in their sights.
De Jong has made 253 appearances for the Blaugrana, scoring 19 goals in his time at the Camp Nou - and turning 28 next week, his time in Spain could come to an end with the Premier League calling.
Statistics courtesy of WhoScored. Correct as of 04-05-25.
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