Frenkie De Jong has told Mikel Arteta why he would prefer a move to Arsenal ahead of Man United

Arsenal can explore the possibility of signing Frenkie De Jong from Barcelona. The Catalan club are reportedly willing to sell, and he would fit perfectly into Mikel Arteta’s system.

According to Spanish outlet El Chringuito, Barcelona could let the Dutchman leave for £58m this summer. The club no longer considers him an indispensable member of the squad, and Manchester United have reportedly shown an interest.

Despite the clear links between Erik ten Hag’s recent Manchester United appointment and the possible chance of a reunion with De Jong after spending time at Ajax together. The midfielder has already given Mikel Arteta a hint on why he could be willing to join the Gunners over the Manchester side, if he does leave Barcelona.

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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 could be left short in midfield this summer, understands that Roma are expected to make a fresh attempt to sign Granit Xhaka at the end of the season.

This will mean that Thomas Partey would be the only experienced midfielder in the team. Mohamed Elneny’s contract is set to expire in June and Albert Sambi Lokonga still needs time to mature.

De Jong would be an excellent signing by Arsenal and it is a deal they should be pursuing. The Gunners will need strengthening in the midfield position, and the Dutchman would be an ideal