Frenkie de Jong’s future at Barcelona is up in the air as he nears the final year of his contract. Amid interest from several European clubs, one Premier League team has placed him at the top of their wishlist.
Last October,SPORT reported that Manchester United, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain have all been keeping a close eye on de Jong’s situation.
De Jong has made it clear he wants to stay at Barcelona, but PSG’s history of signing players from the club makes them a strong contender. Barcelona, however, appears willing to let him go, withMundo Deportivo noting that a new contract isn’t a priority due to financial issues.
Most recently,CaughtOffside revealed that Liverpool have discussed their summer transfer targets, with de Jong among them. However, his wages could be a sticking point.
Barcelonaare said to be willing to sell de Jong for around €35 million, but his high salary at the Nou Camp has previously caused issues for Liverpool and other clubs.
Does Arsenal intend to take the lead for Frenkie de Jong?
Frenkie de Jong
Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images
Fichajes reports that Arsenal have shifted their transfer focus and are now targeting De Jong as theirmain midfield reinforcement. This change comes after Joshua Kimmich ruled out leaving Bayern Munich and decided to renew his contract with the Bavarians.
Mikel Arteta is aiming to strengthen his midfield with the potential departures of Jorginho and Thomas Partey in mind. The report also suggests that Arteta views De Jong as the key piece to complete his midfield alongside Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard.
This follows a report fromjournalist Ferran Correas, who revealed that Barcelonahave offered De Jong a new contract that would extend his stay for another three years at his current salary. However, the deal doesn’t cover his deferred wages.