Arsenal are reportedly in intense discussion with Barcelona for young midfielder Andre Gomes and it seems talks are at a crucial stage which could see Gomes heading to the Emirates before the close of the transfer Window[spacer height=”30px”]
During an interview earlier this year, the 24-year-old had expressed his growing frustration at Catalonia and admits lack of motivation and desire. The Barca man also spoke in a way that implied a desperate need for confidence.[spacer height=”30px”]
“I don’t feel good on the pitch,” Gomes said [via Express].[spacer height=”20px”]
“I am not enjoying what I am doing. The first six months were pretty good but then things changed.”[spacer height=”30px”]
[spacer height=”30px”]The ex-Valencia man travelled to Barcelona as a replacement to the legendary Xavi back in 2016 but hasn’t been consistently representing the club due to the likes of Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets and even Ivan Rakitic, who had a cherishing run at the recently concluded Football World Cup in Russia, being higher up the pecking order.[spacer height=”30px”]
Today's edition of Sport claims that Barcelona have contacted Arsenal after hearing of their interest in André Gomes. Arsenal are willing to pay a maximum of €20m for the player, although his initially reported price tag was €30m. #afc pic.twitter.com/kx1CDO1v7W
— Sash ~ (@ltarsenal) July 18, 2018
[spacer height=”30px”]The reliable midfielder was signed for €33.3 million. And although despite appearing 78 times for his Catalan side, he scored a mere 3 goals and and assisted 4 over the course of two seasons, even though there were two world class attackers playing right beside him; Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.[spacer height=”30px”]
[spacer height=”30px”]Gomes had impressed many during his time at Valencia, proving his worthy skills and signing for one of the biggest clubs in the world[spacer height=”30px”].
And now according to Reports by Catalan Press outlet RAC, Arsenal are in advanced negotiations with Arsenal for the transfer of the young Central midfielder Andre Gomes possibly over a loan deal with the clubs being unable to reach an agreement on the players valuation.
Rac1: #AFC and #FCB are negotiating a deal for Gomes but so far the English club is unwilling to match the €30m asking price. A loan with the obligation to buy was proposed as well. Andre is seduced by Arsenal and it’s his favourite destination.https://t.co/m0ZBzEOuWl
— Arsènic™ (@MrArsenicTM) July 20, 2018
[spacer height=”30px”]From what it seems like this may very well be a well planned ploy of selling Andre Gomes to Arsenal for €26.5 million (a clause they don’t agree upon) by his agent or a well initiated move by Barcelona to be able to raise funds in order to seduce Willian away from Chelsea.[spacer height=”30px”]
[spacer height=”30px”]The North Londoners seemed to be unable to accept the price tag on the Portuguese international since new boss Unai Emery has already depleted most of his resources since acquiring Lucas Torreira, Sokratis Papastathopoulos, Stephen Lichtsteiner, Bernd Leno and Matteo Guendouzi.[spacer height=”30px”]
It is highly improbable that the Spaniard could prizeAndre Gomes away when he has a tight financial leash around him. Thus, there is no pressure on Andre Gomes as he has time to decide his fate until the 9th of August, the transfer market deadline.[spacer height=”30px”]
Arsenal have been desperate to capture a world-class midfielder with an attacking sense. Along with Torreira, a player with a more defensive mindset, Andre Gomes could make an impact to the team’s chemistry by providing a perfect balance to their passing style of play..[spacer height=”30px”]
His creativity could spark up the lacklustre Arsenal midfield by launching through balls within densely packed defences. Also as Jack Wilshere has moved to West Ham and Granit Xhaka looking unable to take complete responsibilities in every game, the London outfit are placed in a dire situation to attract a more consistent midfielder to lighten up their hopes of reaching the Champions League this coming season.[spacer height=”30px”]
[spacer height=”30px”]The Blaugrana could also be the key to replacing Aaron Ramsey should the Gunners fail to tie his future down at the Emirates. Though the Welshman’s contract ends within a year, there has been little progress done about it. If Ramsey rejects Arsenal’s offer, Emery could rely on Andre Gomes nurtured scope and could witness his exit as a welcoming for this young, thirsty talented individual.[spacer height=”30px”]
Hopefully, Emery’s side can help someone who was seen as a great young prospect kick-start his career and can reminisce those days in Valencia where a not-so-tall, creative player managed to attract attention from Barcelona at a tender age of 22.[spacer height=”60px”]
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