Frenkie de Jong
Arsenal are one of the teams ready to move if Barcelona open the door for Frenkie de Jong to leave, with the Gunners remaining keen to make a deal happen.
During the summer, De Jong was linked with a departure from Catalonia, but when that move failed to materialise, Arsenal signed Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United instead. The Gunners, however, remain attentive to opportunities to sign leading players, and De Jong is still viewed as an important target they could add to their squad during this window.
Arsenal face competition for De Jong
Arsenal now face competition from Liverpool, with the Reds also reportedly interested in the midfielder. According to Fichajes, Liverpool see De Jong as a player who could help address a major problem in their current midfield.
Arsenal will not want Liverpool to complete the deal, but Barcelona’s position appears focused on the financial terms of any potential transfer. The Spanish club are reportedly prepared to allow De Jong to leave if a team meets their asking price for his signature.
The report states that Barcelona’s new asking price is €73 million, with the club believing De Jong remains one of the best midfielders in the game despite his age and recent fitness problems.
(Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Barcelona set their asking price
The €73 million valuation could prove significant for the midfielder’s suitors. Clubs interested in De Jong would likely consider that figure high, particularly given the recent concerns surrounding his fitness.
Barcelona are reportedly aware that their asking price could make negotiations more difficult, meaning there may be room for interested clubs to negotiate a lower fee. Arsenal could therefore continue monitoring the situation as they consider whether to make a move.
For now, De Jong remains a player who could attract significant attention if Barcelona decide to part ways with him.