Arsenal failed with loan bid for Barcelona midfielder

Arsenal reportedly failed with an approach to sign Riqui Puig from Barcelona during the January transfer window.

The Gunners were on the search for a creative midfielder and they eventually landed Martin Odegaard on loan from Real Madrid.

It is now revealed that Odegaard was not the preferred choice and the club were initially looking to sign Puig from the Blaugrana.

The north London side proposed to sign the Spaniard on loan with the option to buy but the offer was rejected.

Puig barely played for the Blaugrana during the first half of the season, but has made nine appearances since the turn of the year.

His deal was initially due to expire in June 2021, but the Blaugrana triggered a clause on his contract to extend his stay for two more years.

Meanwhile, Odegaard has played only 31 minutes of first-team football for the Gunners but he could start against Leeds United on Sunday.

Emile Smith Rowe has started in the number 10 role for the past nine games and he could be handed a breather for Odegaard to make his full debut.