As confirmed by Fabrizio Romano during his latest episode on the Here We Go podcast, Arsenal were trying to sign Riqui Puig from Barcelona on a similar loan deal to Odegaard with a buy option at the end of the spell.
However, the youngster ended up staying in Catalonia. Barcelona have concrete plans to extend Puig’s contract for three more years, since they have the power to do so. Club boss Ronald Koeman wanted to keep him, and hence rejected the approach made by the North London club and he is now getting a few minutes on the pitch under the Dutchman.
They tried many times to sign Real Madrid’s Martin Odegaard, and he is now a part of the club. But, with all that said, Arsenal don’t have the option to buy the player and he will return to Real Madrid at the end of the season. Hence, Puig could also be a target for Arsenal next season, or in the years to come.
Elsewhere, Juventus officials met long-time Arsenal target Houssem Aouar’s agent. He was on the list of suitable acquisitions, but the player wants to play in the Champions League, which is something that Lyon can offer, but Arsenal cannot. Interestingly, Paul Pogba will also be key in this situation.
The clubs looking at Pogba are in the race for Aouar too. Real Madrid, Paris and Juventus are in the race for the midfielders. Leonardo was interested in both the players, while Real Madrid are interested in a new midfielder and Juventus want an important midfielder who they can rely on for the big games.
One club cannot sign both in the current situation, with finances heavily impacted, and hence, the summer transfer window will be one to watch for the two players, whose fates seem to be linked.
