Arsenal could be set to test Barcelona’s resolve once again, with reports in Spain suggesting the Gunners are preparing an ambitious January move for Frenkie de Jong.
According to Fichajes, Mikel Arteta is eager to take advantage of the Dutchman’s uncertain contractual situation at Camp Nou. De Jong has entered the final year of his current deal, and with negotiations stalling over salary demands, Barcelona may be forced into a sale this winter to avoid losing one of their most valuable assets for free.
Arsenal’s midfield is already packed, but Arteta wants more
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Arsenal enjoyed a historic summer window, signing no fewer than eight players, including midfield reinforcements like Martin Zubimendi and Christian Nørgaard. They joined a core already featuring Declan Rice, Mikel Merino, and captain Martin Ødegaard.
On paper, that’s as complete a midfield as any in Europe. But Arteta’s vision for this squad is clear: strength in depth to challenge across every competition. De Jong, with his elite ball progression, press resistance, and ability to control tempo, is seen as the type of transformative signing who could take Arsenal’s midfield from great to generational.
Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong dilemma
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De Jong has been a mainstay since arriving from Ajax in 2019 for €75m, establishing himself as one of the best midfielders in world football. Yet, Barcelona’s financial constraints remain a dark cloud. Reports suggest the club is unwilling to match De Jong’s wage demands in a new deal, opening the door for a potential departure.
If Arsenal move quickly, they could secure him for a cut-price fee compared to his market valuation. Premier League rivals are monitoring the situation closely, while Saudi clubs are also circling, but De Jong himself is said to prefer continuing at the highest level in Europe.
Do Arsenal really need Frenkie de Jong?
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Some may question whether Arsenal truly need another midfielder. But in elite football, opportunities like this rarely come twice. De Jong’s versatility, capable of sitting deep alongside Rice or driving forward to support the attack, would hand Arteta tactical flexibility in both the Premier League title race and the Champions League campaign.
His presence would also lessen the load on Ødegaard, while allowing Zubimendi and Rice to rotate without losing balance. For a squad aiming to win it all, depth is no luxury, it’s a necessity.
Author Opinion
Arsenal’s pursuit of Frenkie de Jong is ambitious but entirely in line with the club’s current trajectory. If Barcelona cannot resolve his contract standoff, January could represent a rare opportunity for the Gunners to land one of Europe’s most complete midfielders.
For Arteta, adding De Jong to an already star-studded engine room could be the final piece in building a side ready to dominate both domestically and in Europe.
Related Items:Barcelona, Frenkie de Jong
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