Arsenal have been presented with an opportunity to launch an ambitious bid for Frenkie De Jong after Tottenham’s transfer failure.
According to Spanish journalist Xavi Campos, AC Milan midfield Franck Kessie is in advanced negotiations with Barcelona, and could join the Spanish side in the summer.
This comes shortly after The Telegraph reported that Tottenham are looking into the possibility of signing the central midfielder this January, as his contract expires at the end of the season and it is looking unlikely that he will extend his current deal.
If Kessie does reject Spurs’ proposal and joins Barcelona then De Jong could be available for a transfer due to Barcelona’s registration issues, and Arsenal should take the initiative to do whatever it takes to bring him into the club.
According to Spanish outlet Sport, The Catalan club must sell players or members of the squad must reduce their salary, and It is for this reason El Chiringuito claimed that Barcelona are looking to sell De Jong.
The 24-year-old joined the club 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 Thomas Partey, and the two would create a dominant midfield for Mikel Arteta, who is currently in desperate need of a player in the middle of the park who can control football matches.
De Jong certainly fits this bill, which was proved early into his career during Ajax’s magnificent 2018/2019 Champions League run, where the midfielder was arguably the Dutch side's most important player, as they eliminated powerhouses such as Real Madrid and Juventus from the competition.
This season Arsenal have seemed particularly vulnerable when teams have employed a full-scale press on Arteta’s side when they look to play out from the back but De Jong’s press-resistant qualities would be able to help ease those fears of losing the ball in a dangerous position.
The 24-year-old is also excellent with his ball progression and can break defensive lines from a deep position, he would certainly be the perfect signing for Arsenal, and Edu must do whatever it takes to bring him to the Emirates.
A transfer attempt for the excellent midfielder will not be an outrageous decision, as he previously admitted to being open to joining Arsenal.
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."
De Jong would be a dream signing for the Gunners, and Tottenham’s failure to secure Kessie could have just bought Arsenal closer to any potential, despite it still being unlikely as things stand.
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