Arsenal to move for Dutch star in January | OneFootball

Arsenal eye potential January swoop for Frenkie de Jong

Arsenal are reportedly leading the race to sign Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong when the winter transfer window opens, according to FootballTalk.Com. The Netherlands international has been a central figure at the Catalan club for six years, but uncertainty surrounds his future with his contract expiring at the end of this season.

The Catalan giants are unlikely to allow De Jong to leave on a free transfer next summer. If contract negotiations stall, Barcelona may be forced to consider selling the midfielder in January. The emergence of younger talents Marc Bernal and Marc Casado has also increased the likelihood of De Jong seeking pastures new.

Reports suggest the Gunners are the frontrunners to secure the former Ajax star, yet competition is expected from several clubs in the Saudi Pro League, all eager to tempt the midfielder away.

Despite speculation, the north London club’s midfield options appear robust. Arsenal spent over £260 million in the summer transfer window, strengthening their central options with the additions of Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard. Alongside them, Declan Rice and Mikel Merino provide further depth in the holding role, leaving the club with a substantial number of options in central midfield for the foreseeable future.

De Jong’s qualities are well-documented. He excels in ball distribution and possesses the ability to control matches from deep midfield. However, Arsenal’s existing roster may make the prospect of a winter arrival unnecessary. With sufficient depth already in place, the priority may not lie in acquiring another midfielder, despite De Jong’s profile.

Photo: IMAGO

Financial considerations may deter deal

Another challenge for the Gunners relates to wages. De Jong, valued at £39 million, earns £315,000 per week at Barcelona, a sum unmatched by any current Arsenal player. Committing to such a salary could represent a significant financial stretch, particularly given the club’s recent heavy investment in new signings.

Given these factors, a winter move for the 29-year-old seems improbable. There is a possibility that the transfer speculation may be driven by De Jong’s representatives to encourage Barcelona to offer a contract renewal. Should negotiations progress, the midfielder could well remain at the Catalan club and commit to a new deal ahead of January.

Timing and transfer window dynamics

While January often provides opportunities for clubs to adjust their squads, Arsenal may be content to monitor the situation rather than rush into a costly acquisition. De Jong’s experience and quality would undoubtedly enhance Mikel Arteta’s squad, but weighing the financial commitment and squad balance suggests patience is the more likely approach.

FootballTalk.Com highlights that despite Arsenal’s interest, the combination of wages, existing midfield depth, and the potential for De Jong to renew with Barcelona makes a move this winter improbable. It remains a story worth following, particularly as contract talks evolve and the January window draws nearer.

Photo IMAGO

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From an Arsenal supporter’s perspective, the notion of signing Frenkie de Jong in January generates excitement but also scepticism. De Jong’s ability to dictate play from deep is exactly the kind of midfield intelligence Arsenal could benefit from, particularly in high-stakes Premier League fixtures and European matches. His experience at Barcelona and international pedigree could provide a steadying influence alongside the younger talents in Arteta’s squad.

Yet pragmatism must prevail. Arsenal already have a well-stocked midfield, with Rice, Merino, Zubimendi, and Norgaard providing flexibility and quality. The club’s wage structure has not historically supported salaries in the £300,000-per-week range, making De Jong a potentially disruptive financial outlay. For supporters, it is easy to dream of his influence at the Emirates, but the reality suggests patience may be more sensible. Monitoring his contract situation at Barcelona is likely to remain the focus rather than committing to a dramatic January signing.