According to ESPN, Barcelona are now listening to offers for Sergino Dest, who is said to be a transfer target for Arsenal.
What’s the story?
Well, ESPN believe Dest was up for sale during the January transfer window, but Arsenal did not get involved.
It was Marca who revealed that Arsenal are interested in signing the right-back, who has a €400m (£337m) release clause in his contract at Barcelona.
It sounds as if he’ll also be on the market in the summer, unless he dazzles Xavi at the Camp Nou before the end of the season.
ESPN are claiming that the Spanish giants are confident of securing a deal for Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta, who would arrive as a direct replacement for Dest.
So far this season, the 21-year-old has made 12 starts in La Liga, although he had to sit on the bench for the recent 4-2 win over Atlético Madrid as 38-year-old Dani Alves took his spot.
Arsenal should sign Sergino Dest
In our view, Arsenal should make a move for the United States international, especially after Calum Chambers joined Aston Villa.
Mikel Arteta needs a reliable backup for Takehiro Tomiyasu, and with Dest available, it would be wise to at least submit a bid.
Before his move to Barcelona, the Netherlands-born defender was one of the brightest talents in Europe at Ajax.
With Arteta at the helm, a man who is clearly quite good at working with young talents, he could easily fulfil his potential at the Emirates Stadium.
Additionally, the Barcelona No.2 is versatile – as Transfermarkt shows, he has played at left-back this season, as well as on both sides of the attack.
Keep an eye on this saga, as it seems he is Dest-ined to leave Spain.
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