Spanish reports say Arsenal is interested in signing Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de John, despite the addition of Martin Zubimendi this summer.
Arsenal signed Spanish international Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in July at a rate of £60 million.
He works as Mikel Arteta’s No. 6, and Declan Rice can continue to raise the pitch even further while providing a back four cover.
The 26-year-old is one of the world’s most defensive midfielders, but the gunner links to another elite player in that position.
According to Fichejes, the Spanish website, Arsenal “want to sign de John,” so Barcelona should be “cautious.”
The “plan” for Londoners is to wait until the Dutch international contract expires next year and sign a free transfer.
Certainly, they “marked his name in red” for the summer 2026 transfer window.
Details: All 20 Premier League clubs are ranked by how exciting it can be to watch this season
The 28-year-old situation, not signed at the end of the season, has “created excitement” with the Emirates, and Barcelona’s expansion is “not guaranteed.”
Arteta sees De Jong as a perfect complement to the midfield, and is believed to be hoping that the former Ajax star will come in and “expand his rotation to compete at the highest levels in the Premier League and Champions League.”
However, Barcelona is keen to extend the midfielder contract beyond 2026, with players expressing their desire to stay in Catalonia.
He must accept “important paycuts” to remain.
It will be added to the report:
Sources close to Arsenal say the London Club will continue to closely monitor his situation over the coming months, awaiting negotiations with Barcelona.
If the update does not complete before next summer, Arsenal will be in a position to negotiate with unlimited players, encouraging their arrival at Emirates Stadium.
For Arteta, signing Frenkie de Jong means adding one of the most complete midfielders in European football. This is a move that could make a difference to his project in the medium term, and could also provide a personal plus for players by moving into a highly competitive league.
Arsenal will launch a Premier League campaign on a trip to Old Trafford where they will meet Manchester United.
Viktor Gyoker is one of those expected to make a competitive debut for The Gunners, and Arteta believes there is no better stage for the Swedes to leave the Premier League.
“I think Arsenal is the perfect stage to make sure he meets it to show what he can do for his team and his incredible teammates around him,” the Spanish manager said.
Arsenal was also linked to Benjamin Sesco.
Read Now: Who will win the top scorer Premier League Golden Boots on 25/26?
