Kevin Campbell has urged Arsenal to swap Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang with Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong instead of Philippe Coutinho.
Arsenal recruited six players this past summer, all under the age of 23, as Mikel Arteta and technical Director Edu Gaspar outlined the strategy for the club for the foreseeable future. Those new signings, along with existing stars such as Gabriel Magalhaes, Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Martinelli, have added to the excitement at the Emirates.
Next summer, Arsenal are expected to add a few more names, notably a striker and a midfielder, to their ranks and again look for stars matching their young age group profile.
However, in recent weeks, Philippe Coutinho’s name has started ringing around media circles, with Barcelona reportedly plotting a swap deal involving Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The Catalan giants are keen on offloading the Brazilian who Xavi Hernandez does not view in his plans for the future.
Another player considered dispensable by Barcelona is Frenkie de Jong, with the club actively looking to sell him to raise funds. The Dutch star surely features on the shortlist of some of the biggest clubs across Europe and England, with Manchester United the latest team backed to sign the 24-year-old.
Now, former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell believes Arsenal should stay away from Coutinho and instead sign de Jong. He told Football Insider how the north Londoners should swap Aubameyang with the Dutchman if an opportunity arises.
Campbell said, “I would like De Jong if you don’t mind. I would love to see him at Arsenal. I cannot see them moving him on because he has been phenomenal for them; he really has. He is the one player who really fits into Mikel Arteta’s squad. He would fit in effortlessly. I think he’d be brilliant beside Thomas Partey.”
“Would they want to do that deal? Barca wants another striker now [Sergio] Aguero has retired. There is room for Aubameyang. Listen, at the end of the day, if they want to do business and Aubameyang wants to go – do the business. Create some room on that wage bill.”
While the idea of de Jong playing in Arteta’s setup seems appealing, it would take a lot of money in addition to Aubameyang to convince Barcelona to do a deal. Moreover, there us the question of convincing the midfielder to join the Gunners, who could have the upper hand if they finish in Champions League positions at the end of the current campaign. It remains to be see if a shock swap deal sees the light of the day.