Manchester United is apparently interested in signing Frenkie de Jong, who has been linked with a move away from Barcelona.
The Dutch international, on the other hand, has previously stated that he admires United’s Premier League rivals Arsenal and has expressed interest in playing for the North Londoners. “I honestly believed Arsenal was fairly nice in the past,” he told Voetbal International in 2019.
“For a long time, I’ve had the following list in my head: Ajax-Arsenal-Barcelona, or the Marc Overmars route.” However, if you can go directly to Barcelona, you will be exactly where you want to be. “Faster than you ever imagined.”
De Jong has since confirmed that he prefers to remain at the Nou Camp, saying: “I can’t say anything about that but I prefer to stay at Barcelona.” “, when asked whether anyone may be interested in his services. “As I’ve previously stated, Barcelona has been the club of my dreams since I was a child.
“Of course, if other clubs call, I will answer. It’s something that everyone does.” The 25-year-old’s admission is a major setback for United’s transfer aspirations, but he is not the type of midfielder Arsenal requires.
In reality, the former Ajax great has a lot in common with Thomas Partey, who is used as a lone no.6 by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. Both midfielders are excellent one-on-one dribblers, with the best success rates of any player in Europe’s top five leagues who tried 40 or more take-ons last season.
They also both have the ability to regularly move the ball between the lines, although Arsenal’s midfield arguably lacks intensity and agility, which can help them intimidate the opponents, something de Jong isn’t known for. He is an undeniably gifted playmaker, but the Gunners would be better off spending their money on a clinical centre-forward, who is at the top of technical director Edu’s wish list.
