Arsenal set sights on Barcelona ace with £337m release clause

Arsenal have set their sights on Sergino Dest ahead of the January transfer window, according to Marca.

The Gunners currently have a top right-back in their ranks in Takehiro Tomiyasu.

However, there’s certainly scope for Arsenal to strengthen that position in depth.

And according to Marca, the Gunners are now monitoring the Barcelona ace.

However, Arsenal reportedly have tough competition in the shape of Bayern Munich.

Dest has struggled for game time this season and doesn’t appear to be in Xavi’s plans.

Arsenal – or other suitors – would reportedly have to pay 30m to 35m euros (£21m to £25.2m) for the 21-year-old.

Arsenal eyeing player with “a lot of desire”

Dest joined Barca from Ajax in 2020 for a reported £18.9m and has a 400m euro (£337m) release clause.

But since making his debut a year ago, he has found it hard to cement a starting XI spot.

Ronald Koeman, who signed Dest, struggled to get the best out of the United States international.

And with Xavi now at the helm, he could well want to move players on and bring his own in.

That said, Dest is a high-calibre player with a high ceiling who could certainly shine elsewhere.

Last year, Jordi Alba sung the American’s praises following a superb goal against Dinamo Kiev.

“Dest comes with a lot of desire,” Goal.com quoted Alba as saying.

“With Sergi Roberto’s unfortunate injury he will surely have more opportunities.

“I think he has a high level. He has a great future and fits perfectly with the characteristics that a full-back at Barca should have.”