Arsenal have been told where they stand in signing Franck Kessie as a shock free transfer this window after the Ivorian midfielder as he could become a free agent once more this summer.
The former-AC Milan player only joined the Catalan club earlier in the window but due to ongoing financial difficulties and a lack of official La Liga squad space, both Andreas Christensen and Kessie could be back on the market before making their competitive debuts.
Fellow new signings Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Jules Kounde are all also yet to be registered with the league season just three days away. Due to the free contract deals that bought Kessie and Christensen to Spain the pair could activate a clause which would allow them to depart already.
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With Arsenal having a long-term interest in the 24-year-old Kessie, making an offer to bring him to London before he chose to go to Spain, there is a chance that a move could be made for him. With Arteta desperate for another central midfielder before the window closes and a move for Youri Tielemans more likely next summer, football.london understands, this leaves Edu with a big decision to make and pouncing on Kessie's uncertain situation might be the way to go for an efficient deal.
However, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano believes that Kessie isn't in a position to move away, and would like to stay at the Nou Camp. He tweeted, "Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessié are both “calm and relaxed” after receiving positive messages from Barcelona. Clause revealed by ESPN confirmed but both players are optimistic.
"Christensen and Kessié expect to be Barça players for many years. Up to the club now."
It was always going to be a tough ask, as is any transfer involving Barcelona at the moment, and Arsenal will likely continue to monitor the situation regardless, but they might have to move back towards Tielemans or another midfield target for now.
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