This season has seen a change in fortunes for Barcelona as they sit ninth place in La Liga despite being considered one of the greatest teams in the world.
Ronald Koeman was sacked as a result of the poor performances and his reign since 2019 has seen a numerous of embarrassing defeats which has resulted in a massive decline in the club’s stock.
Just a few years ago, the presence of Barcelona whether it came to playing against them in Europe or the pursuit of a player was undeniable and one that Arsenal were a victim off in the previous decade.
However, there has been a switch in fortunes since the turn of the decade and it is the Gunners who are more likely to poach a player from Barcelona.
Whenever an Arsenal player seemed to be head and shoulders above any members of the squad and displayed excellent performances, supporters would get worried about interest that would come from the Catalan club.
Before the turn of the decade, we became a feeder club for Barcelona as they took star talents such as Cesc Fabregas and Alex Song who were crucial pieces to Arsene Wenger’s side.
This issue even dated back to the first decade of the century as Arsenal’s greatest player Thierry Henry would join the La Liga side after dominating the Premier League for eight years.
It got so ridiculous that they even decided to sign Alexander Hleb after he showed excellence in the midfield for the Gunners.
Barcelona were a real pain in the backside for the north London side but with Koeman’s reign which eventually led to his sacking, Arsenal have been linked with poaching a few players from the Catalan side.
It has recently emerged that Arsenal have been hot on the pursuit of 29-year-old Sergi Roberto.
The 29-year-old’s contract expires at the end of the season and the chances of a renewal at the Catalan club are low after initial talks had broken down.
Sergi Roberto has his future set on the Premier League, and Arsenal are one of two sides to have reportedly shown an interest in him.
This isn’t the only Barcelona right-back Arsenal were interested in as during the summer transfer window Emerson Royal was strongly linked with a move to the club and a deal was on cards before he eventually joined Tottenham Hotspur.
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