According to Mundo Deportivo, Patrik Schick has now been offered to Barcelona, despite interest from Arsenal and Newcastle.
What’s the story?
Well, it was Sky Sports who revealed that Newcastle want to sign the 25-year-old, while 90min believe Arsenal want him as well.
However, a spanner has been thrown in the works, as Barcelona have been offered the chance to bring Schick to the Camp Nou.
Mundo Deportivo believe a number of forwards have been offered to Xavi, including Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic.
In our view, Barcelona would be silly to turn Schick down.
The 33-cap Czech Republic international is enjoying a stunning season, in which he’s scored 18 goals in just 16 Bundesliga appearances.
That is an outstanding effort, so if Xavi decides he doesn’t want Schick in Catalonia, we’d be very surprised.
Boost for Arsenal and Newcastle
It’s not all bad news for Arsenal and Newcastle.
Mundo Deportivo believe the likes of Timo Werner, Arthur Cabral, Diego Costa, Paulo Dybala, Edinson Cavani and Divock Origi have also been offered to Barcelona.
Therefore, it’s not a given that they’ll choose Schick, who the Guardian state has been likened to Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Interestingly, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette are also on the list.
The Gabon international’s time at Arsenal seems to be over after a fallout with Mikel Arteta, whereas Lacazette becomes a free agent in June.
In that respect, the Gunners are wise to offer their deadwood as bait, so rival teams may choose to decide against a move for Arteta’s targets.
Keep an eye on this situation – we wouldn’t be surprised to see Arsenal bring a striker to the Emirates Stadium before deadline day.
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