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.
