Arsenal complicate Barcelona’s plans by making key target a summer priority – report | OneFootball

A new transfer battle is brewing ahead of the summer window, as Arsenal have entered the race for Liverpool’s Luis Diaz, a player who has also been identified as a priority target for Barcelona.

According to a recent update from Fichajes, the Gunners are keen on reinforcing their attacking options and see the Colombian as an ideal addition.

Diaz has been a pivotal figure for Liverpool since his arrival, seamlessly integrating into the club’s attacking setup.

However, his future at Liverpool is far from certain, and with Arsenal and Barcelona keeping a close eye, a summer move could be on the cards.

Liverpool’s stance and Diaz’s future

At 28 years old, Diaz is in the prime of his career, making him an attractive prospect for any top European club. However, Liverpool will not let him leave easily.

It is said that Arne Slot will be assessing his squad ahead of his first full season, and any potential exit for Diaz is likely to hinge on whether Liverpool can secure a high-quality replacement.

Moreover, with uncertainty surrounding the futures of Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez, Liverpool may be reluctant to lose another key attacking player.

Arsenal expressing interest

Arsenal have joined the race to sign Luis Diaz. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

For Arsenal, Diaz’s arrival would provide a major boost to their attacking depth.

The Gunners have been looking to strengthen their forward line, particularly in wide areas, to provide reliable competition for Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.

Diaz’s Premier League experience would also be a major advantage, ensuring he could make an immediate impact at the Emirates without the usual adaptation period required for players arriving from other leagues.

Barcelona’s interest and financial hurdles

Despite Arsenal’s strong interest, Barcelona remain in the picture, as Diaz has long been on their radar. The prospect of playing in La Liga and representing the Blaugrana is believed to be an appealing option for the Colombian.

However, Barcelona’s well-documented financial struggles pose a significant obstacle.

With strict Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations and a need to offload players before making major signings, the Catalan giants face a tough challenge in securing Diaz’s services.

Unless they generate funds through player sales or find creative financial solutions, they could struggle to compete with Arsenal in a direct transfer battle.