Arsenal have been dealt a major blow in the pursuit for Frenkie de Jong after reports have emerged about his next transfer move. The Dutchman has been linked to both Arsenal and Manchester United in recent weeks, but if reports to believed then De Jong seems to be heading to Manchester.
According to Spanish news outlet Sport, Manchester United and Barcelona are very close to reaching an agreement for De Jong. The fee is believed to be around €80million (£68million).
These reports have emerged after the Mirror had reported that Arsenal had joined the race against Manchester United to sign De Jong in the summer transfer window. But, with the Dutchman seemingly on his way to Erik ten Hag’s side, the Gunners may have to look elsewhere in their pursuit of signing a midfielder.
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For the 2021/2022 season, De Jong topped the list for the highest take-on success rate compared to any other player in the top five leagues in Europe with 85%. Thomas Partey falls second on this list with 81%.
Despite the clear links between Erik ten Hag’s recent Manchester United appointment and the possible chance of a reunion with De Jong after spending time at Ajax together, there were still hopes that the Dutch international would choose Arsenal after he revealed his career aspirations.
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."
Arsenal could be left short in midfield this summer, football.london understands that Roma are expected to make a fresh attempt to sign Granit Xhaka at the end of the season.
With De Jong’s arrival looking unlikely, the Gunners will have to look elsewhere to strengthen their midfield, and it seems that Youri Tielemans could be the answer.
According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Tielemans is Arsenal's primary midfield target. Meanwhile, Ruben Neves and Arthur Melo continue to be admired.
He wrote in his Caught Offside column: "Arsenal are taking their time in choosing the new midfielder.
"Ruben Neves and Arthur Melo have been two names on the list for some time, two very popular players in the club; the priority as of now goes to Youri Tielemans."
Arsenal are set for a business transfer window ahead of next season, and Mikel Arteta’s pursuit of a new midfielder is set to be a major talking point.
