Arsenal Join Race For £84m Barcelona Star Also Wanted By Tottenham

Arsenal have thrown their name into the race to sign a Barcelona star valued at £84m, though the Gunners will face competition from north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur for his signature.

Mikel Arteta’s side have made an impressive start to the season, winning five of their opening six Premier League matches. That record leaves them second in the table, one point behind Manchester City, though Arsenal have played a game fewer than the league leaders. A win away at Nottingham Forest on Sunday afternoon would cut the gap to just three points.

“This makes it so tough to play against them and you see it from every single player. They have so many world-class players they can react from the bench.”

Arsenal are well-stocked across the squad, though they failed to land a new striker during the summer window. Julian Alvarez ultimately stayed put at Atletico Madrid, and it remains unclear whether sporting director Andrea Berta will revisit that pursuit. Atletico are not the only Spanish club in Arsenal’s sights this time around.

Arsenal Enter Race For Xavi Espart

According to a report from Caught Offside, Arsenal have entered the race to sign Barcelona defender Xavi Espart. Tottenham are also considering a move for the 19-year-old, setting up a potential north London scrap for his signature.

Espart’s ability to operate higher up the pitch makes him an intriguing option for Arteta. He has become a first-team regular at Barcelona this season, and his performances have caught the eye of scout Jacek Kulig.

“Delighted to see Xavi Espart getting praise for his pre-season. Technically flawless, high football IQ, born to play combinational football, and able to cover the playmaking full-back position. The comparisons to Kimmich and Lahm almost write themselves. Making it big at Barça will be difficult, but certainly not impossible. A wonderful player to watch.”

A Versatile Option For Arteta

Espart can play at both right-back and left-back, and he put in a composed display during a 3-0 win over Getafe earlier this month. That versatility is exactly the kind of profile Arteta tends to value, a player who can rotate between roles without a drop in quality.

Whether Barcelona sanction a sale is another matter entirely. Espart has started seven of their nine La Liga matches this season, suggesting he has already become a trusted figure in the first-team setup rather than a squad option up for grabs.

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What This Means For Arsenal

Arsenal chasing a teenage full-back with ball-playing qualities fits the pattern Arteta has followed for years, recruiting young, technically gifted defenders who can also contribute in midfield phases of play. A straight fight with Tottenham for the same target adds an extra layer of intrigue to a deal that was already going to be difficult to complete given Espart’s standing at Camp Nou.

Keep following TipsGG for the latest on Arsenal’s transfer business as this one develops.