Arsenal in SENSATIONAL January link for Barcelona star Arteta says can ‘ELEVATE’ Gunners

Robin Bairner

13 Sept 2025 19:00 BST
4 min read

Arsenal could take advantage of confusion at Barcelona by landing one of the club’s best players on a cut-price deal during the January transfer window.

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Mikel Arteta’s side spent big in the summer, with a net-spend outlay bigger than any other team in the world. Stars such as Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke and Martin Zubimendi all arrived at the Emirates Stadium – but according to one report, there’s still room for one more.

The Gunners are lining up a sensational January move for Frenkie de Jong, who Barcelona could be open to selling when the next transfer window opens.

Current ETV

Frenkie de Jong

M, DM (C)

Barcelona

Frenkie de Jong

M, DM (C)

Barcelona

ETV Range

€21.2M - €25.9M

Barcelona open to De Jong sale

A long-time target of Manchester United when Erik ten Hag was in charge at Old Trafford, De Jong has been the subject of a delicate political situation at Camp Nou.

Though a key player, his contract is large, reflecting the ‘old’ regime at the club. He has steadfastly refused to sign a new deal or take up any offers to leave.

De Jong’s deal at Barcelona expires in 2026 and if no new contract is signed before January, the Blaugrana are ready to put the player up for sale, Spanish media reports.

With the emergence of Marc Casado and Marc Bernal, Barca’s plan to allow the star to leave has been fuelled.

“The London club plan to take advantage of the contract indecision to negotiate a transfer in January,” Fichajes claims. “Furthermore, Arteta sees the Dutchman as a player who would elevate the team’s performance in the fight for the Premier League and Champions League titles.”

It’s unclear what type of price De Jong might fetch, but he has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €23.6 million.

Arsenal face potential competition from the Saudi Pro League, where De Jong is likelier to be able to retain the type of wage he has grown used to at Barcelona.

However, the indications are that the 28-year-old would prefer to play in a competitive European team, which would appear to tip the balance in Arteta’s favour.

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