Premier League club Arsenal is preparing a “serious” bid for Barcelona striker Jose Arnaiz, claims Spanish newspaper Marca.
The 22-year-old signed for the Blaugrana last summer in a £3m deal from Real Valladolid. His contract, it’s being suggested, contains a £17.5m release clause and Arsenal are prepared to meet that price.
Arnaiz featured in the Catalans Copa Del Rey squad earlier this season and scored on his debut in the 3 – 0 win at Real Murcia. However, he is plying his trade in the Segunda Division with Barcelona ‘B’. Also a left-winger, he has found the net six times in his sixteen appearances so far this season.
There’s no suggestion that Arnaiz is trying to manipulate his way out of the Camp Nou, but Marca believes the north London club can land the young Spaniard with a serious bid.
Arsenal are set to lose Alexis Sanchez, 28, and are looking to add a wide striker to their squad. The situation is becoming more tense with Danny Welbeck, 27, currently refusing to discuss a new deal.
His contract expires in June 2019 and the Gunners are considering offloading the England international next summer rather than losing him on a free transfer in eighteen months’ time.
