Arsenal have emerged as shock contenders to sign Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo in the January transfer window.
Barcelona have been struggling financially for some time now and, despite having signed Dani Olmo from RB Leipzig in the summer for £52m, they have not yet been able to register him for the second half of the season. The 2024 Euro winner can leave the Catalan giants on a free transfer next month if he is not registered in time due to a clause in his contract, which potentially opens the door for interested clubs to circle around him.
The conflict between Barcelona and LaLiga has left Olmo, 26, in an uncomfortable position. His future is at stake, with president Joan Laporta needing to find economic levers to be able to pay his salary during the second half of the season.
Arsenal have reportedly been in contact with the 26-year-old playmaker’s representatives in recent times. The Gunners aren’t the only club maintaining a positive relationship with Olmo and his entourage; their Premier League rivals Manchester City also are wary of the player’s uncertain situation at Nou Camp as Pep Guardiola looks to freshen up his midfield unit next month.
Bukayo Saka injury a big blow for Arsenal
Arsenal have been dealt a big blow on Monday when boss Mikel Arteta confirmed that star man Bukayo Saka is set to be sidelined for “many weeks” after tearing his hamstring in Saturday’s 5-1 win over Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
Saka, 23, limped off in Saturday’s 5-1 win at Crystal Palace and left Selhurst Park on crutches. The England winger has now suffered three hamstring injuries this season, and the latest one has now ruled him out for an extended period on the sidelines.
The 23-year-old has been in brilliant form this season and has five goals and 10 assists in the Premier League. Saka has arguably been the Gunners’ best player in recent years and to lose him for several weeks during the hectic fixture schedule is a massive setback for Arteta. In addition, Raheem Sterling—on loan from Chelsea—will be out for “weeks” with a knee injury.
Dani Olmo on Arsenal’s January agenda?
The hamstring injury to Saka could accelerate Arsenal’s pursuit of Olmo, who only joined Barcelona from RB Leipzig in the summer.
The Spanish international has already netted five times in 11 league appearances for Barcelona. He is yet to become a regular start in Hansi Flick’s side, and should Barcelona fail to make provisions to pay his salary for the second half of the season, Arsenal could try to snap him up on a free transfer.
The versatile Olmo can play in multiple positions across midfield and attack, and that combined with his technical skills, creativity and flair, would make him a superb fit under Arteta. As the January transfer window beckons, it will be interesting to see whether the North London giants can take advantage of Barcelona’s dire financial situation and lure the gifted playmaker to the Premier League.
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