DONE DEAL? £73m midfielder has given the GREEN LIGHT to leave FC Barcelona to join Arsenal this summer after Xavi was sacked
DONE DEAL? £73m midfielder has given the GREEN LIGHT to leave FC Barcelona to join Arsenal this summer after Xavi was sacked
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has hinted at a potential move to North London amidst speculations of strong interest from Arsenal.
Arsenal, having opted for a quiet January transfer window, might be eyeing a significant summer move for the talented Dutchman, similar to their successful pursuit of Declan Rice in 2023.
The rumour mill is buzzing with reports that Arsenal are closely monitoring Frenkie de Jong, with Barcelona potentially considering his sale this summer. According to HITC Football, the Gunners are showing interest in acquiring the Dutch international’s services.
Frenkie de Jong first gained widespread recognition during Ajax’s impressive Champions League run in the 2018-19 season, leading to a £73 million move to Barcelona. Having made over 200 appearances for the Catalan giants, De Jong’s potential move to Arsenal is garnering attention, particularly given his past comments.
In 2019, De Jong expressed his admiration for Arsenal, hinting at a desire to follow the “Marc Overmars route.” He stated, “I actually thought Arsenal was pretty beautiful in the past. In my mind, I have had the following list for a long time: Ajax-Arsenal-Barcelona, call it the Marc Overmars route. But yes, if you can go directly to Barcelona, then you are also right where you want to be. Faster than you ever dared to dream.”
While De Jong couldn’t resist the allure of joining Barcelona early in his career, the prospect of him now completing the ‘Overmars route’ by moving to Arsenal has the Gunners’ fanbase buzzing with excitement. The idea of De Jong teaming up with Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard in Mikel Arteta’s midfield has fueled anticipation for a formidable and elite midfield trio.
De Jong’s quality, composure on the ball, and ability to drive forward from midfield would significantly bolster Arsenal’s midfield options.
With De Jong possibly becoming available in the upcoming transfer window, Edu and Arteta might be considering a substantial move. They are well aware of De Jong’s past statements and could seize the opportunity to bring him to the Emirates, further strengthening Arsenal’s squad for the challenges ahead.
