Arsenal have reportedly been in talks with Barcelona over a possible move for Gunners defender Gabriel Magalhaes.
According to Spanish outlet Sport, Arsenal have earmarked three Camp Nou players in a potential swap deal.
Mikel Arteta and Edu are apparently keen on bringing Neto, Memphis Depay or Riqui Puig to the Emirates.
‘The one that Arsenal like the most’ is Depay, according to Sport.
The former Manchester United forward has slipped down the pecking order at Barca.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ferran Torres and Adama Traore all joined the club in the January transfer window.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are likely to overhaul their front line in the summer.
The Gunners currently have just two senior forwards in their ranks – Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah.
Both are also out of contract at the Emirates Stadium.
However, Arsenal could also do with bolstering their midfield at the end of the season.
Mohamed Elneny’s contract expires in June, while loanee Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ Gunners future is uncertain.
In addition, Roma are reportedly still eyeing Granit Xhaka.
And Puig would be a top addition to Arteta’s ranks.
The 22-year-old has already made 56 competitive appearances for the Blaugrana.
He also has one La Liga title and a Copa del Rey to his name.
“Riqui has what it takes to succeed”
Manchester City were also being linked with Puig back in 2020.
Admittedly, the Spaniard did admit in 2021 that he’d like to play for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
But with Arteta having learned a lot from Guardiola working under him at the Etihad, he could also be a good option for Puig.
Arsenal icon Cesc Fabregas also believes Puig can become like the legendary Andres Iniesta.
Football.london quotes Fabregas as saying: “Riqui can become like Iniesta, for example, if coaches trust him.
“I know that comparing him with Andres are big words but such a player could cost a fortune on today’s market.
“I’m sure Riqui has what it takes to succeed, he just has to have the right attitude and keep improving.”
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