Arsenal make Sergino Dest transfer approach at Barcelona

Arsenal have four problem positions left in the squad to bolster in the summer transfer window and their likelihood of securing all of them, with three all-but in the bag already, isn’t strong.

It’s in the centre of the pitch where the primary issues lie. A central midfielder – not set to be Manuel Locatelli – and a No. 10/playmaker are the additions that will elevate Arsenal as a functioning force.

These two deals have to be right and have to be seen to this window. It would be a catastrophe if neither were.

Aside from there it’s in goal where another addition will be made, one that has Aaron Ramsdale written all over it. The Sheffield United goalkeeper will not come cheap, but remains as Mikel Arteta’s first choice option in that department with movement on that front expected shortly following the end of Euro 2020.

Arsenal make Sergino Dest transfer approach at Barcelona with Mikel Arteta eyeing Hector Bellerin’s replacement in the summer window

Finally, there is right-back.

Were September 1 to come around without one being brought in it wouldn’t be ideal. It wouldn’t be cataclysmic, either. Calum Chambers is a decent option in that department (if only he were a few yards quicker) and while an upgrade can most certainly be acquired, it’s bottom of the list in terms of priority.

Focus is rightly centered in other areas but were an opportunity to arise then Arsenal are ready to pounce. Amid the ongoing debacle that is Barcelona, Sergino Dest could be one solution.

Nobody is free from being sold at Camp Nou barring an obvious few, including the exciting young defender they only just signed 12 months ago. Hopelessly in debt and in need of accruing monumental funding, most of Europe has the chance to acquire some talent.

As per Sport, Bayern Munich, Juventus and Arsenal have all made an approach to La Blaugrana around Dest’s future. Boasting three right-backs on their books, Dest will garner the biggest fee of them all and if the right offer arrives it would be hard for them to turn it down.

That is said to be around the £26m mark, which would constitute only a minor profit for Barça and can be deemed a bargain given his ability, age and length of contract remaining.

While what is being mentioned in the report requires the necessary degree of scepticism, and what level of approach Arsenal have made is unclear, given the state of Barcelona and the profile of the player, the only surprise would be if the Gunners hadn’t had made any contact yet.

He’s someone Arteta will like.

Continued…