‘Phenomenal’ Barcelona player is already up for sale just a year after rejecting Arsenal move

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As we begin the penultimate week of August, things are expected to hot up for Arsenal on the transfer front, who still intend to sign two more players.

Riccardo Calafiori is the solitary arrival thus far at the Emirates, unless you also count David Raya’s permanent arrival from Brentford.

Mikel Arteta wouldn’t be content if that was how Arsenal finished the window, especially on evidence of Saturday’s 2-0 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Although Arsenal were mostly in control, Thomas Partey struggled with his passing at times, playing as the number six.

It probably isn’t a coincidence that Arsenal are pushing to sign Mikel Merino, someone who would allow Declan Rice to play instead of Partey in the pivot.

Arsenal could then field Rice, Merino and Martin Odegaard in the middle, an imposing trio.

That being said, this is a problem that Arteta seemingly tried to fix a year ago when Arsenal tried to sign Ilkay Gundogan.

Arsenal aren’t afraid to recruit from Manchester City, but on that occasion, Gundogan rejected the Gunners. 

Ilkay Gundogan now pushing to leave Barcelona just a year after Arsenal’s interest

Although Gundogan decided against a move to Arsenal on that occasion, perhaps the Gunners have now been alerted to the possibility that the German could be about to leave Barcelona this summer.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano just shared on X that Gundogan can leave Barcelona before the end of the transfer window.

READ MORE: Alan Shearer says Arsenal have an ‘amazing’ player who blew him away vs Wolves

Gundogan and his camp have begun exploring their options amid the chance to pursue a new challenge, even if Hansi Flick would like to keep the ‘phenomenal’ midfielder.

And that poses the question, even if Arsenal are able to complete a deal for Merino in the coming days – would Gundogan still be a sensible addition on a one-year deal?

The 33-year-old would now need to change his mind in regards to moving to north London, but a player of his experience and quality could really help Arsenal get over the line in the title race.

Given his apparent availability, the rumours of Gundogan returning to Man City have already begun, and perhaps this should fuel Arsenal’s pursuit even more.

Not only would Arsenal be recruiting an experienced winner, they’d also be preventing their Premier League rivals from doing the same.

That being said, Gary Lineker and Micah Richards think Arsenal should sign a different player as soon as they can.