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Arsenal ‘willing’ to spend big to sign Pablo Barrios

By on March 5, 2025

Pablo Barrios

Arsenal are reportedly ‘willing’ to spend big to sign Atletico Madrid midfielder Pablo Barrios, as per Spanish outlet Fichajes.

Thomas Partey has been the first-choice deep-lying playmaker in Mikel Arteta’s starting eleven over the years. Jorginho was hired from Chelsea to support the African.

However, both have entered the final few months of their existing deal with the Italian looking all set to leave the club as free agent at the end of this season. Therefore, Arsenal are seemingly looking to revamp the engine room this summer.

Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi has been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium in recent months. But, Fichajes state that Arsenal have been struggling to secure the Spaniard’s service as Real Madrid and other European clubs are also interested in him.

Therefore, the North London club have earmarked Barrios as an alternative option but purchasing him won’t be easy either as Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea are also in this race. Barrios has a £83m release clause in his current contract and Arteta’s side are ‘willing’ to trigger the clause to trump the rivals in this race.

Barrios to Arsenal

The youngster plays in a double midfield pivot role under Diego Simeone but is also comfortable in the holding midfield and the box-to-box role. He is technically sound, good in the air and can play threading passes between the lines.

The 21-year-old started his youth career with Real Madrid before moving to Los Rojiblancos in 2017. He made his first-team debut for Atletico Madrid back in 2022 before establishing himself as a key player.

Barrios is a talented player and possesses high potential. Therefore, he would be a shrewd acquisition for Arsenal with a view to the long-term future if they purchase him.

However, he is still very young and hasn’t showcased his qualities at the highest level consistently enough yet. Therefore, he might take time to settle down in the Premier League if he eventually moves to the Emirates Stadium this summer.

Spending £83m for him would be a huge risk, therefore, Arsenal would be better off exploring other options if Atletico Madrid don’t reduce their asking price.