Arsenal have now entered contention to sign an FC Barcelona star, but there could be competition from north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
The Gunners are still looking to strengthen their squad, despite making a very impressive start to the season, winning five of their opening six Premier League matches, a record that leaves them second in the table.
Mikel Arteta’s side have played one fewer game than league leaders Manchester City, and they will be looking to close the gap to just three points with a victory against Nottingham Forest on the road on Sunday afternoon.
Ahead of the trip to the City Ground, Arteta has received praise from opposite number Oliver Glasner, who said: “In every game this season they were outrunning the opposition. It’s incredible. The effort and the mindset Mikel [Arteta] has created there is incredible.
“This makes it so tough to play against them and you see it from every single player. They have so many world-class players they can react from the bench.”
Indeed, the north Londoners are well-stocked in all areas, although they didn’t manage to bring in a new striker during the summer, with Julian Alvarez ultimately staying put at Atletico Madrid.
It remains to be seen whether Andrea Berta & co make another move for Alvarez, but Atletico Madrid aren’t the only Spanish side the Gunners are looking to raid.
Arsenal enter race to sign Xavi Espart
According to a report from Caught Offside, Arsenal have now entered the race to sign FC Barcelona star Xavi Espart, but there could be competition from north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, who are also considering a move.
Barcelona are looking to hold out for a fee of around €50m (£42m), meaning Espart could be an affordable addition to Arteta’s squad, but formal negotiations are yet to take place, and the full-back has a €100m (£84m) release clause included in his contract.
The Spaniard’s ability to step into midfield could make him a solid option for Arteta, and he has emerged as a first-team regular for Barcelona this season, with scout Jacek Kulig being left particularly impressed by his performances.
Kulig said: “Delighted to see Xavi Espart getting praise for his pre-season. Technically flawless, high football IQ, born to play combinational football, and able to cover the playmaking full-back position. The comparisons to Kimmich and Lahm almost write themselves. Making it big at Barça will be difficult, but certainly not impossible. A wonderful player to watch.”
The 19-year-old is capable of playing at both right-back and left-back, and put in a solid performance in a 3-0 victory against Getafe earlier this month.
Xavi Espart’s stats vs Getafe | Number completed |
Accurate passes | 58/61 (95%) |
Duels (won) | 6 (4) |
Clearances | 2 |
Tackles | 1 |
Key passes | 1 |
As such, Espart could be a versatile option for Arteta, but it remains to be seen whether Barcelona are willing to sanction a sale, considering he has started seven of their nine La Liga matches this season.
Source: www.footballfancast.com
