Latest developments
- Barcelona ‘outcast' Frenkie De Jong has been pushed down the pecking order by Hansi Flick.
- Arsenal are seeking midfield reinforcements, with Martin Zubimendi also a target.
- The Gunners will lose midfield maestro Jorginho in the summer.
Authenticity (4.5/5): Bold pursuit
The report from TBR provides a strong backing for Arsenal’s interest in De Jong. The looming exit of Jorginho further supports this narrative, making the Ajax academy product‘s pursuit a logical next step for the Gunners.
Value (5/5): Worth it for a proven talent
At a £50-55m price tag, the Dutchman’s cost is significant but not exorbitant given his performance metrics. Although he has not performed regularly this season for the Blaugrana, De Jong has proven to be world-class more often than not.
Suitability (4/5): Perfect for Arteta-ball
Mikel Arteta is keen to inject new life into his midfield while also sticking to the focus on solid possession and fluid attacking transitions. That makes a De Jong partnership with Declan Rice all the more appealing.
De Jong is the kind of player who excels in possession-based setups, and his technical prowess and versatility make him a perfect match for Arteta’s system.
His ability to operate in multiple midfield roles – as an anchor in midfield or in the deep-lying playmaker role – would seamlessly elevate Arsenal’s overall creativity.
Upgrade (4/5): Game changer?
Replacing Jorginho with De Jong would not only fill the void but also significantly upgrade Arsenal’s midfield dynamics. His impressive pass accuracy rates and versatility would complement Rice’s defensive duties in the long run.
Logic (4/5): Time to move on?
De Jong has struggled to rack in game time this season, and a move to the Premier League would be a natural progression to showcase his talents.
Whisper+ Verdict: 20/25
One can expect Arsenal to make bold moves in the upcoming transfer window.
In all likelihood though, they will have to decide between Zubimendi and De Jong – a choice that will shape the club’s creative engine for years to come.
Particularly in terms of the latter, the potential rewards in terms of stability and dynamism make this a move worth watching.
