Arsenal Are Locked In A Three-Way Battle For This Barcelona Star: Good Option For Arteta? | OneFootball

In a recent report, Fichajes stated that Arsenal are locked in a three-way battle for Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong. It has been claimed that the Gunners would have to rival Manchester United and Liverpool in the race to land the Dutch talent in the summer.

De Jong has put in a series of impressive displays at the heart of Xavi’s midfield during this campaign. The Dutch midfielder has done well to score two goals in 30 matches for the Catalan club this season across all fronts.

The 26-year-old was a positive influence at both ends of the field and deserves credit for averaging 2.2 tackles, 0.7 interceptions, 1.4 clearances, 1.1 key passes and 0.7 dribbles per 90 minutes in La Liga. He has also been careful when distributing the ball from midfield after completing 93.1% of his attempted passes in top-flight football (stats via whoscored).

De Jong is under contract at the Catalan club until the summer of 2026. Hence, it won’t be easy for the Gunners to snap him up on the cheap in the upcoming transfer window.

Real Madrid’s Spanish forward #17 Lucas Vazquez (L), Barcelona’s Dutch midfielder #21 Frenkie de Jong (C) and Real Madrid’s English midfielder #5 Jude Bellingham vie for a ball during the Spanish league football match between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on April 21, 2024. (Photo by Thomas COEX / AFP)

Is De Jong A Good Option For Arsenal?

De Jong is a good tackler of the ball and can make the odd interception for his team when he is playing well on the pitch. He doesn’t mind putting his foot through the ball when needed and can even set up some inviting chances for others around him in the opposition half.

The Dutch sensation can shoot the ball with power and accuracy from long range and is an energetic runner with the ball. He is primarily a box-to-box midfielder but can also fill in as a defensive midfielder if asked to do so.

We can expect de Jong to bring more quality and depth to Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta’s midfield department. He is more than capable of earning a regular starting spot at the Emirates Stadium next season.

At 26, de Jong is about to enter his prime which makes him an excellent option for the Gunners to pursue in the summer transfer period. However, there are some concerns over whether he can make a smooth transition to life in Premier League football.