Arsenal joins the race alongside Manchester City to sign the highly-rated FC Barcelona midfielder Riqui Puig on Loan.
La Masia graduate Riqui Puig is having a season to forget at Camp Nou. Puig has long been considered the future of this Barcelona midfield, and he rose to fame with some superb displays when given the opportunity under Quique Setien last season.
However, Puig has only played 4 minutes of football in La Liga this season. The 21-year-old midfielder is out of favor under manager Ronald Koeman.
FC Barcelona decision to set a transfer for Puig:
The relationship between player and manager is not the best one as he’s been clear since the start that he did not count on Puig.
According to El Pais Deportes, Ronald Koeman blasted starlet Riqui Puig in a dressing room clash in September, Koeman’s actions were supported by a number of the players, who appreciated his attitude towards ridding the dressing room of leaks and untrustworthy figures.
The Spanish professional’s dream is to play for FC Barcelona. But a move away on loan from Camp Nou seems to be the best choice available for the youngster.
Major European clubs including Arsenal, Man City, and AC Milan have been scouting Riqui Puig. Puig’s contract runs out in 6 months and can sign a pre-contract agreement with other clubs. However, Barcelona’s priority is to keep the youngster beyond 2021.
According to Sport, Real Betis are keen on signing the youngster on a loan deal. But foreign clubs including AC Milan, Arsenal and Manchester City have enquired about the availability of Puig. Arsenal after a poor start to the season is in the market for a player of Puig’s profile. A move to Arsenal would be a big win for the player as well as the club.
According to reliable Matte Moretto, FC Barcelona are unwilling to let Puig leave for free. Even though he is not under manager Koeman’s plans, they consider him to be the future for Blaugrana. Therefore, FC Barcelona will possibly trigger a clause in his contract which extends his stay at FC Barcelona till at least 2023.
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