Ander Herrera’s uncertain future is attracting interest from across Europe.
In recent seasons, Barcelona have signed midfielders capable of imposing themselves on games through physicality and breaking up play rather than the more traditional methods Barcelona midfielders are known for such as passing ability and positional intelligence. Arturo Vidal effectively replaced Paulinho when he joined this summer and the Catalans are eyeing Ander Herrera who is a similar type of player.
According to ESPN, Barcelona and Arsenal have joined the race for his signature, which already includes Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and Inter Milan. Herrera’s current contract runs out in the summer and talks have stalled, although there is a willingness to agree a new contract among both parties. Manchester United have been securing the futures of a number of players as they have a key summer ahead of them.
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The Barcelona midfield is a crowded area with Frenkie de Jong set to add to that in the summer, while Riqui Puig and Oriol Busquets will soon be promoted to the first team. Rafinha and Denis Suarez are both likely to leave in the summer; Ivan Rakitic and Philippe Coutinho could also be moved on for large fees which would help the club strengthen other areas. However, there is little need for Herrera especially if they keep Arturo Vidal as they don’t require his profile and he would deny opportunities for the youngsters coming through.
Arthur Melo, Frenkie de Jong and Sergio Busquets is a fearsome midfield trio with Puig, Alena, the younger Busquets, Vidal and potentially Rakitic providing back-up. Herrera will be available on a free assuming he doesn’t sign a new contract, but he would add to a staggeringly high wage bill. This needs to be saved for new signings as well as extending the contracts of key players rather than signing aged players who don’t fit Barcelona’s style.