Arsenal’s poor run of form continued on Saturday as they were beaten 2-1 by Bournemouth at The Emirates.
The Gunners were beaten 1-0 by Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final last week, but they looked to be on their way to victory on Saturday when Declan Rice broke the deadlock in the first half.
Mikel Arteta’s side looked set to pick up all three points, but second half goals from Dean Huijsen and Evanilson completed an impressive comeback for the Cherries.
Off the pitch, it appears that the North London outfit have entered into the race to sign a La Liga star.
As per Spanish outlet Fichajes via GiveMeSport, Arsenal have joined the race to sign Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
The report claims that Arsenal have identified the Dutchman as a ‘key summer target’ ahead of the transfer window, as they look to bolster Arteta’s midfield options.
De Jong has emerged as a target for Arsenal
De Jong, 27, joined Barcelona from Ajax in 2019 and has since played more than 250 times for the Spanish side across all competitions.
The Netherlands international has previously been linked with a move to Manchester United, but he has so far stayed put in Catalonia.
It is claimed that Arteta and those in charge of Arsenal’s recruitment have identified De Jong as the ideal candidate to partner Rice in midfield.
The midfielder’s £410,000-per-week contract is set to run until the end of next season, but the report claims that the Spanish side could be forced to sell him this summer for financial reasons.
Both Jorginho and Thomas Partey face uncertain futures at The Emirates, and it appears that the Gunners will therefore be in the market to add a new midfielder to Arteta’s squad this summer.