Arsenal have been gifted an opportunity to bolster their squad after news that new Barcelona boss Xavi has sanctioned the departures of three players in news that will interest Gunners transfer fixer Edu.
According to Spanish journalist Gerard Romero, the La Liga side have listed both Frenkie de Jong and Sergino Dest as being available for transfer, along with goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
The Gunners have been linked to both players in the past, but now, more than ever, the signing of the duo would prove to be excellent acquisitions.
De Jong would create a perfect pivot alongside a struggling Thomas Partey, whilst Dest would be the much-needed competition for Takehiro Tomiyasu. at right-back.
Securing the signature of De Jong would ordinarily be suggested as an unlikely deal to pull off in the eyes of many Arsenal fans but the Dutchman has previously expressed his admiration for the club.
Speaking to Voetbal International back in 2019, he said: "I actually thought Arsenal was pretty beautiful in the past.
"In my mind, I have had the following list for a long time: Ajax-Arsenal-Barcelona, call it the Marc Overmars route But yes, if you can go directly to Barcelona, then you are also right where you want to be. Faster than you ever dared to dream."
Arsenal are in desperate need of a quality central midfielder to further support Partey, who has endured a slow adaptation to the Premier League and a partnership with someone as technically gifted as De Jong would certainly go a long way in helping to support the out-of-form Ghanaian.
Albert Sambi Lokonga and Ainsley Maitland Niles are the players who have been providing cover in the midfield this season for Xhaka and Partey.
Despite the potential both midfielders possess, they are still very raw and Arsenal will require more proven quality to challenge for a top-four spot, which De Jong would offer in abundance.
Tomiyasu has been excellent since signing for the club in the summer transfer window and has definitely solved the previous issues at full-back.
However, there isn’t cover that can be deemed as good enough to replace the Japanese international when he is not available.
Calum Chambers and Cedric Soares have struggled to prove their suitability, but the possible acquisition of the speedy Dest would be the perfect option in Tomiyasu's absence and would open up new possibilities for Arteta and his team moving forward. Dest certainly looks a better bet as a right-wing-back than Tomiyasu if Arteta did ever decide to field a back three, for example.
Signing either player would not be a straightforward task when both are coveted by some of Europe's top clubs but if Edu and Arsenal are presented with an opportunity to sign either in January, they should be looking to capitalise.
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