Arsenal is now the preferred destination of FC Barcelona midfielder Andre Gomes, According to RAC 1.
The Spanish outlet report that the Portuguese midfielder wants to join Arsenal this summer but Gunners are refusing to pay the £26.7million asking price.
The report claims that a loan deal with an option to buy is being discussed as the two clubs look for a solution.
The 24-year-old has made 78 appearances for the Catalan club in his time at Camp Nou, scoring three goals and providing four assists.
Good move for Arsenal?
No.
Andre Gomes is a player who was highly-rated at his previous club Valencia but struggled to perform at a consistent level at Mestalla.
When he made his big-money move to FC Barcelona in 2016, big things were expected from the Portuguese midfielder but he’s struggled to perform at a consistent level in his time at the club.
Notice a common theme?
Gomes is a talented player but he’s not consistent enough for a top club.
This Is Futbol rating – 3/10.
Likely to happen?
Probably.
New Gunners boss Unai Emery is a massive fan of the midfielder from his time in Spain and all the indications point towards the fact that he will try and bring him to The Emirates.
It will be a tall order to get Gomes to perform at the level he wants but the reported loan deal option could be a good solution with little risk to Arsenal.
Expect to see this move develop further in the coming days.
This Is Futbhol rating – 7/10.