All big clubs have learned that free is much better than expensive, and in order to achieve the kind of transfers that both Juventus and Real Madrid have perfected, it is important to signal interest early.
Arsenal, after impressing Mikel Arteta, have plans to sign the Dutch midfielder when his contract with Barcelona expires.
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Arsenal have marked the name Frenkie de Jong in red for the upcoming summer transfer window, when his current contract with FC Barcelona expires.
Mikel Arteta is a big admirer of the playing style of the 28-year-old Dutch midfielder, who had a strong season under Hansi Flick and will be an ideal addition for the Gunners.
Frenkie de Jong’s contract situation is causing tension in London, as he could become a free agent in 2026, and his future at Camp Nou is not guaranteed.
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An ideal reinforcement for Arsenal’s midfield
Arteta sees in Frenkie de Jong a perfect complement to the midfield where he already has Martín Zubimendi, Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice. His ability to distribute the ball, break lines and stay in control in high-pressure games makes him a profile that is hard to find on the market.
The Spanish coach has built a solid midfield, but wants to expand his rotation to be able to compete at the top level in both the Premier League and Champions League.
Complicated extension at FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona wants to extend the player’s contract, which expires in 2026, but this requires him to accept a significant salary reduction. In addition, the Dutch player wants to end his collaboration with his current agent, Ali Dursun, with whom he has a contract until the same date.
These factors have complicated the negotiations and opened the door for his future to be debated between continuing as a leader in Barcelona’s midfield or seeking a new challenge outside Spain.
During the previous season, Frenkie de Jong played over 40 official games, where he stood out for his reliability in ball distribution and ability to control the game during transitions. His statistics and international experience make him a top player, appreciated by clubs seeking key players at the elite league level.
Sources close to Arsenal confirm that the London-based club will monitor his situation closely in the coming months, while they wait for developments in negotiations with Barcelona.
What could be the next step for Frenkie de Jong?
If the contract extension is not in place until next summer, Arsenal will be in a position to negotiate with the player without restrictions, which will make the transition to the Emirates Stadium easier.
For Arteta, the signing of Frenkie de Jong will mean getting one of the most complete midfielders in European football – a move that could make a difference in his medium-term project and give the player an individual boost in a league with a high level of competition.
