Arsenal and Manchester City have expressed interest in Frenkie De Jong’s situation, as the midfielder could potentially leave Barcelona.
According to HITC, both Arsenal and Manchester City could compete for De Jong’s signature in the summer, as they have approached Barcelona and requested to be kept informed about the midfielder’s situation. Barcelona may consider selling him to bolster their finances given their current financial challenges.
De Jong emphasised his comfort at Barcelona and his enjoyment of living in the city when Manchester United showed interest in him in the summer of 2022. However, the primary reason for his preference to stay at Barcelona was the deferred wages owed to him by the club. Nonetheless, his stance could potentially change in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Despite Barca reportedly considering offering the Dutchman a new deal earlier in the season, they may entertain the idea of selling the midfielder if they receive a significantly lucrative offer. Several clubs would be interested, including Manchester United, although Arsenal and Manchester City now seem to be the front runners for his signature.
Arsenal and Manchester City engaged in a battle for Declan Rice last summer, with the Gunners ultimately securing his signature. Guardiola had been keen on signing a new midfielder following the departure of Ilkay Gundogan and had also set his sights on other targets such as Joao Neves ahead of the summer transfer window. Now it appears as though they are set to battle once more in the transfer market for another marquee midfielder.