FC Barcelona continues to face a summer full of uncertainties both in sports and institutionally. The economy is tight and negotiations to secure the continuity of certain strategic players haven't been solved yet. Meanwhile, an operation is being prepared in England that could change the immediate future of the Catalan club.
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal's coach, has identified a key name to strengthen the London midfield. The Spanish coach's idea is to have a profile capable of balancing creativity, control, and physical deployment. In that search, the focus has been placed on one of Barça's most decisive footballers.
Arteta, obsessed with strengthening the midfield
Arsenal's project has grown exponentially during the last seasons in the Premier League. However, Arteta believes that it still needs one more piece to make a definitive leap in Europe. The goal is to consolidate a midfield that already features top-level footballers like Declan Rice or Odegaard.
In that context, the English club believes it has found the piece that would fit perfectly into its scheme. It's a 28-year-old player, established at the elite level, with international experience and still a long way to go. Reports indicate that his name has been highlighted in red on the list of priority targets.
The footballer's contract situation is the opportunity that those in London hope to seize to speed up negotiations. His contract ends in 2026 and, for now, there is no agreement to extend the link beyond that date. Starting in January, the player could negotiate freely with any club, which creates tension in the Catalan environment.
Future hanging in the air within Barça
Barcelona has spent months trying to reach an agreement with the Dutchman to renew his contract as soon as possible. The footballer, although he has publicly reiterated his desire to stay, keeps certain disagreements with the board and his entourage. The break with his agent has made already slow and unproductive talks even more complicated.
Meanwhile, the club must deal with overcrowding in the midfield area, where there are several alternatives. Pedri, Gavi, Marc Casadó, or even the young Marc Bernal can fill those positions with full guarantees. That situation further fuels rumors about a possible departure, especially in the face of an offer that's hard to refuse.
Barça acknowledges the strategic importance of its footballer, but it also needs to balance its accounts for the future. In the current financial situation, receiving a multi-million euro proposal could open the door to a radical change. Deco, football director, continues to assess scenarios and keeps all possibilities open before the market closes.
Arsenal's offensive underway
In recent hours, reports from England claim that Arsenal is ready to take a definitive step. It wouldn't be a slow negotiation, but rather an aggressive move aimed at surprising Barcelona. The Londoners believe that the time is right to put on pressure and secure the signing of the midfielder.
Arteta has asked the 'gunners' board not to spare any resources to close this deal. The conviction is total regarding the impact the player could have in the Premier League and the Champions League. With his arrival, Arsenal would make a statement in the European market.
Meanwhile, in Barcelona, uncertainty grows as the final stretch of the transfer window approaches. The fans watch with concern the possibility of losing one of the undisputed leaders of the project. The club, caught between sporting needs and economic pressure, will have to make a strategic decision in a few days.
A dazzling figure on the table
The outcome seems closer and closer and Arsenal already has the final offer ready to convince Barça. It won't be just words, but a financial move that could set a precedent in the current market. The British proposal would reach €65 million, a figure that would seriously force Laporta and Deco to reconsider everything.
The future of Frenkie de Jong, a symbol of the blaugrana midfield, now hangs by an increasingly thin thread. Barça will have the final say, having to decide between securing its star or accepting a historic income. Meanwhile, Arsenal waits patiently, aware that its offensive could end up being one of the summer's biggest bombs.