Barcelona Looking To Bulk Up With Midfielders, Linked To Sign Arsenal Youngster

The impending departure of Arturo Vidal and Ivan Rakitic will leave a huge gap on Barcelona’s midfielder position for next season. But more than the plan to fill the void left, Barca is looking fortify the spot a notch higher as the club is reportedly monitoring a handful of quality midfielders in the transfer market, including Arsenal’s Matteo Guendouzi.

According to Gary Stonehouse of the Sun, Guendouzi is already in “advanced talks” with Barcelona looking to secure a transfer deal that is reportedly worth about $41 million.

The Frenchman has been heavily linked to an exit at the Emirates mainly due to his dreadful relationship with Mikel Arteta, whom he allegedly criticized for causing a “regression” on his career.

“Matteo Guendouzi’s representatives are reportedly in ‘advanced talks’ with Barcelona with the Arsenal star set to make a decision on his future next month,” Stonehouse wrote. “The midfielder is training away from the first-team after a falling out with boss Mikel Arteta last month.

“Fiery Guendouzi was involved in a scuffle with Neal Maupay following the Gunners' 2-1 defeat to Brighton on June 20. He has since failed to make a matchday squad, which has coincided with Arsenal going five games unbeaten.

“Reports emerged ten days ago that the £7million signing had brought up the prospect of leaving the Emirates at the end of the season due to his career ‘regression’ under Arteta.”

The 21-year-old’s negotiation with the Blaugrana is labeled as being “concrete,” but further accounts claim the said talks are not really progressing into where it’s supposed to be.

A loan arrangement option, on the other hand, is said to be considered by Arsenal with Barca anticipated on pouncing on it.

But if an agreement is not reached, then Barca might shift on focusing on its bid for the rest of its midfielders’ wish list instead. Apart from Guendouzi, the Blaugrana is reportedly eyeing Fabian Ruiz, Eduardo Camavinga, and Miralem Pjanic as well.

Guendouzi signed with Arsenal from Lorient for a deal reportedly worth $7.9 million in July 2018 and has since appeared in 82 matches for the club.

Amidst the rumors, the Gunners have remained mum as they keep their focus on trying to finish in a Champions League place this year.