Arsenal can finally complete transfer for Barcelona player Mikel Arteta ‘highly values’

Arsenal have shown a strong transfer interest in four Barcelona players recently and now an opportunity to sign one of those has emerged. Sealing a significant first-team addition in the January transfer window continues to look unlikely, although the summer will be seen as another chance for Arteta and Edu to make a big transfer statement.

Last summer, Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and David Raya were all welcomed to the club with roughly £227million being spent once the latter’s buy-option is exercised. As a result of those arrivals, to comply with FFP rules and regulations, the Gunners have been unable to add depth to Arteta’s squad this month for the remainder of the 2023/24 season.

Despite that fact, Arsenal have still been linked to a number of high-profile players both this month and ahead of the summer. Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi has been one name heavily linked, however a January switch to Arsenal was always unlikely, as football.london reported both during and ahead of the winter trading period.

Bayern Munich and Barcelona are two other interested parties in Zubimendi and the latter also have a lot of players that have been linked with a move to Arsenal in the past. This past summer, prior to their arrivals at Barcelona, former Manchester City duo Ilkay Gundogan and Joao Cancelo were said to be options considered at Arsenal which would see a reunion arrive with Arteta.

Another ex-Man City star in Ferran Torres was also said to be of interest to Arsenal in the past however the latest opportunity to sign a Barcelona player is not related to any of the aforementioned three. Instead, Sergi Roberto is the Barcelona player Arsenal could potentially make a move for in the coming transfer windows with a report from Spanish outlet Sport in December revealing Arteta ‘highly values’ the versatile Spaniard with contact already being made over a potential move.

The 31-year-old, who can play in both midfield and defence, is expected to leave Barcelona this year with his current contract expiring in 2024. Xavi is a big fan of Roberto but that stance is not repeated by the club’s hierarchy with AS reporting there Barcelona have “no intention” of agreeing an extension and with Xavi leaving at the end of the season it also seems to spell the end for Roberto’s tenure at Camp Nou.

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