Arsenal are at the front of the queue for Barcelona superstar Frenkie De Jong, following comments from the Dutchman himself.
De Jong joined the Catalan giants in 2019 after impressing hugely on Ajax's incredible run to the Champions League semi-finals – but has been constantly linked with moves since. Manchester United were strongly linked in Erik ten Hag's first summer at Old Trafford, though wages are thought to be a sticking point in any move.
It's been reported that De Jong earns around £9 million a year, which would be difficult to negotiate for any Premier League club, though news has emerged that he's looking to depart La Liga.
Spanish outlet Relevo has reported that the 26-year-old is “no longer closing the door” on a Barcelona exit and could well leave this summer.
This has sparked plenty of hope from Arsenal fans on social media that De Jong could find himself in North London, having admitted in 2019 that he always imagined playing for the Gunners.
“In my mind, I have had the following list for a long time: Ajax-Arsenal-Barcelona, call it the Marc Overmars route,” he said, before adding, “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.”
Manchester City could well challenge Arsenal for the star, with Pep Guardiola a reported fan. Bernardo Silva apparently has a £50m release clause and a desire to go to Barça one day, perhaps making any potential moves between the two players and two sides a little easier.
De Jong is valued by Transfermarkt at €80m.
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