Reports from RAC1 confirm that La Liga champions, Barcelona, are negotiating with Premier League giants, Arsenal, over the possible transfer of midfielder Andre Gomes. However, it is to be noted that no agreement has been reached so far between the two clubs.
The Catalan radio station also revealed that Arsenal are unwilling to pay the asking fee of €30 million for the Portuguese player, with Barcelona adamant to get most of their money that they invested in Gomes back in 2016.
The Blaugranas paid a massive €35 million plus €20 million in add-ons for the 24-year-old to Valencia. However, with Gomes not being able to live up to his expectations, Barcelona are looking to find a good deal on the player.
On the other hand, RAC1 reports that Gomes feels that Arsenal is the perfect destination for him to revive his career. Arsenal might also have some place left for another addition into the squad after new manager Unai Emery hinted in that direction.
A loan deal is being spoken about, so that Arsenal are not forced to pay that €30 million asking price right away. The Gunners will have an option to buy him next season.
Moreover, with Aaron Ramsey having just one year left on his contract, the Gunners might want to cash in on him this window if he refuses to extend his contract.
As a consequence, Andre Gomes might just be a good like-for-like replacement for the Welshman. However, Arsenal is reluctant to dish out the €30 million asking price, having already completed five signings this summer.
Nevertheless, reports also confirm that there are other suitors available for the Portuguese star, who might come into action if negotiations between Arsenal and Barcelona break-down.
Gomes has made 46 La Liga appearances for the Camp Nou outfit so far, scoring thrice in the process. The 24-year-old was also part of Portugal’s Euro 2016 and 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup campaign and was also included in the preliminary 35-man squad for the FIFA World Cup 2018. However, he could not make it into Portugal’s final squad for the World Cup.
