Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal chase the same superstar midfielder — transfer market set for chaos
Fichajes reports that Arsenal are eyeing a major January move as Barcelona’s contract uncertainty opens the door
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Arsenal are keeping a close eye on Barcelona’s Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong in the January transfer window. The main reason for this claim is that the player’s new contract remains uncertain at Camp Nou, and the London club looks to use this situation to its advantage. Reports suggest that Barcelona’s financial challenges and slow contract talks give Arsenal hope of signing him for a relatively low fee.
Mikel Arteta already made record signings last summer, including midfielders such as Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard. Declan Rice, Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard are already part of this unit, yet Arteta has his eye on another high-quality player. Arsenal added eight new players this summer and built a balanced squad, but the club management believes that in the long run they need a footballer who stands out in ball progression and midfield control. This is why De Jong’s name remains in the news, and even close observers believe the deal could change the club’s direction.
Views on Arsenal’s real need and prospects:
The consensus among the fanbase and analysts is that Arsenal’s midfield currently has both depth and quality. Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard have strengthened the squad in recent windows, while the likes of Declan Rice and Mikel Merino have already secured holding roles. This suggests that the team does not have an immediate need for a new midfielder if the concern is only squad depth.
Yet the specific qualities of a player like Frenkie de Jong, like absorbing pressure on the ball, setting the tempo, and pushing forward relentlessly, remain vital for any top club. Many supporters believe these qualities could give Arsenal a unique identity in big matches. On the other hand, reports of a contract extension with Barcelona until 2028 have surfaced, and this development makes a potential transfer more difficult. De Jong himself admitted that the renewal process was underway, even though by August the deal was still unsigned.
In this situation, Arsenal’s decision depends on the player’s availability and Barcelona’s financial condition. Interestingly, reports reveal that Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester United are closely watching Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, and the competition could intensify in the coming months. On the other hand, Neville admitted that he misjudged Noni Madueke and praised the winger’s transformation after his move from Chelsea to Arsenal. All these reports clearly show that Arsenal remain active in the market instead of relying on just one player, but the Frenkie de Jong saga continues to dominate the discussion.