MY ACCOUNT
Barcelona’s off-season has the potential to become even more complicated than what it already is.
Trying to balance their ambition with the economic realities of their situation is creating a tricky environment with the players to have departed and are still at the club this off-season.
According to reports, one player whose departure can ease the financial burden Barcelona have placed on themselves does not want to leave.
TOP STORY – BARCELONA INFORM DE JONG OF MANCHESTER UNITED MOVE
Frenkie de Jong has reportedly been told by Barcelona they want him to leave for Manchester United, according to The Athletic.
The Blaugrana are trying to convince De Jong that while they believe he is a talented footballer, they must sell him in order to balance their excessive wage bill.
The clubs have reportedly agreed on a guaranteed transfer fee of £63million (€75m) but the 25-year-old has no apparent desire to leave club, given Barcelona still owe him a deferred salary payment.
Meanwhile, the arrivals of Raphinha and Franck Kessie this off-season complicate the club’s pitch of De Jong’s transfer being economically necessary, as opposed to the sale being a purely sporting decision.
ROUND-UP
– Juventus have approached Arsenal over signing Gabriel Magalhaes as they eye a potential replacement for Matthijs de Ligt, The Independent reports.
– Meanwhile, the Gunners are working on a deal to sign Oleksandr Zinchenko from Manchester City, per The Athletic
– Leeds United are close to agreeing terms with PSG over 20-year-old striker Arnaud Kalimuendo, Sport is reporting.
– At the same time, PSG have been joined by West Ham in the race to sign Sassuolo striker Gianluca Scamacca, according to Fabrizio Romano.
