European rivals leading Arsenal in race for Haaland

In partnership with

Just Arsenal News

·3 October 2026

European rivals leading Arsenal in race for Haaland

Manchester City face the prospect of serious consequences after being found guilty of multiple financial breaches, and relegation could trigger a major exodus of their best players.

Erling Haaland would be one of the first stars expected to leave if City are relegated. The Norwegian has been in exceptional form since joining from Borussia Dortmund and has helped City win every major trophy available to them.

OneFootball Videos

Arsenal have been tipped as a possible destination because they need a lethal striker, and Haaland would transform their attack. However, a report on Caught Offside says Barcelona currently lead the race for his signature.

Barcelona Lead Haaland Race

Barcelona have admired Haaland for a long time and see him as the ideal long-term successor to Robert Lewandowski. The Catalan club have not yet replaced the Polish striker after Atletico Madrid refused to sell Julian Alvarez to them during the summer.

Arsenal have the financial strength to pursue Haaland, but they have not yet made contact with his representatives or made him a concrete target. Barcelona’s long-standing interest and their need for a new leading striker give them an advantage in the current race.

Haaland’s contract runs until 2034 and contains no relegation clause, so any transfer would still require Manchester City to agree a major fee. City are expected to demand a premium price even if relegation becomes a reality.

Haaland v Eze (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

City Face Uncertain Future

Manchester City were found guilty of 114 of the 115 charges brought against them, with potential sanctions including fines, points deductions, relegation or even expulsion from the Premier League. The club have appealed the decision, and the final punishment has not yet been announced.

If City are relegated, rivals across Europe are expected to attempt to sign their key players. Real Madrid and Barcelona have already been linked with Haaland, while Arsenal are monitoring the situation closely.

Haaland would be unlikely to remain at City if they dropped out of the Premier League, but his departure would not come cheaply. Arsenal may still enter the race, although Barcelona’s position as the current frontrunner makes a move to the Emirates more difficult.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________ ADMIN COMMENT

So here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….

You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.

CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us through this link…