If Arsenal qualify for the Champions League for next season it could provide a major boost to their transfer window in the summer. Especially considering that it could potentially persuade Frenkie de Jong to join the club.
According to Spanish news outlet Sport, De Jong is unhappy at Barcelona because he is not starting matches. If things don’t change, he’ll consider leaving.
With the Premier League still in the early months, Arsenal have already put themselves in an excellent position to secure Champions League football for next season. And with the problems in midfield, De Jong would be the perfect acquisition.
READ MORE: Gary Neville makes shock top four prediction as Arsenal miss out despite Mikel Arteta praise
Despite the clear links between Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United and the possible chance of a reunion with De Jong after spending time at Ajax together, the midfielder has already given Mikel Arteta a hint on why he could be willing to join the Gunners over the Manchester side, which is not just down to Champions League football.
Speaking to Voetbal International back in 2019, he said: "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."
Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey are two players whose place in the team are currently untouchable. Albert Sambi Lokogna and Mohammed Elneny are the two backup players, but their levels in terms of experience and quality do not compare with the two starters.
Partey has missed 50% of Premier League games with Arsenal since joining the club in 2020 due to consistent injury issues, while Xhaka has had suspension difficulties in the past, meaning both players cannot be relied on to consistently start together.
De Jong would be able to bridge the quality gap, and a deal could be easier to complete as Barcelona were reportedly looking to sell the player in the summer transfer window
De Jong would be an excellent signing by Arsenal and it is a deal they should be pursuing. The Gunners will need strengthening in the midfield position, and the Dutchman would be an ideal candidate judging by the types of midfielders that Edu has been targeting ahead of next season, and the fact that he is available for such a bargain, as Spanish outlet El Chiringuito claimed he is available for £58m.
The 24-year-old joined Barcelona in 2019 and has been one of the standout players since arriving from Ajax, but has struggled to stamp his mark on the club due to external issues surrounding Barcelona. He would be the perfect partner in midfield for Partey or Xhaka.
Manchester United tried desperately to sign the Dutchman ahead of this season, but not having Champions League football to offer seemed to be a sticking point. With Arsenal currently at the top of the Premier League table and nine points away from falling out of a Champions League qualification spot, the Gunners have a great chance to secure a deal.
READ NEXT:
Every word Mikel Arteta said on Turner's distribution, Saliba concern and Arsenal desire
Why Granit Xhaka shouted at Matt Turner as Mikel Arteta's Arsenal prediction is proved right
Why Fabio Vieira shouted at Reiss Nelson, Turner half-time drill: Arsenal moments missed vs Bodo
Turner, Nelson and Mikel Arteta’s relief – Arsenal winners and losers after Bodo/Glimt victory
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
