Arsene Wenger wants to snatch midfielder Oriol Romeu from the Nou Camp to the Emirates.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is lining up another swoop on Barcelona’s famed academy system to bring in Oriol Romeu.
Wenger was linked with a move for the 19-year-old defensive midfielder last year but was rebuffed in his attempts by the Catalan club.
The Arsenal manager’s patience with Denilson is wearing thin and the Frenchman sees the Spain U20 international as the ideal back-up for Alexander Song.
Romeu is strong and quick, which gives him the ability to impose himself on the midfield. But he is also able to play in defence – a quality that attracts him to Wenger.
The midfielder has seen his appearances for Barcelona restricted with Sergio Busquets and Javier Mascherano ahead of him in the pecking order, but he is tipped to be a future Spain international.
Wenger – who plucked current Gunners captain Cesc Fabregas from the Catalan club’s academy – is keen to take advantage of Romeu’s stagnated progress in Spain.
Our Spanish sources say the North London club are lining up an £8million deal to bring Romeu to the Emirates.
Romeu is yet to hold talks with the Catalan club over a contract extension and Wenger hopes he may be able to take advantage and bring the highly-rated youngster to Arsenal.