Marc Barta can leave Barcelona if a club is willing to meet his buy-out clause, according to his agent.
Although the 24-year-old centre-back featured 30 times for Luis Enrique’s side last season, Bartra is keen to acquire more game time.
Javier Mascherano and Gerard Pique are the regular centre-back pairing for Barcelona and Bartra follows behind them in the pecking order.
The Catalonian has been linked with a move to the Premier League this summer and, according to the Daily Express, Arsenal, Liverpool and Spurs are among the sides keen to sign him – if he becomes available.
As a result of his lack of game time for Barca, Bartra’s fee has dropped by more than 50%, meaning the Gunners, and those interested, could land him for as little as £8.6 million.
And his agent, Javier Diaz, admits if a club is willing to match the player’s release clause then a deal could ensue this summer:
‘It’s nice to know that the club hierarchy believe in the lad.
‘Marc is very happy at Barcelona, but if there was real interest from clubs where he could get more space then we’ll listen and make our own decisions.
‘His release clause has fallen to €12m after failing to make a certain number of appearances, but that’s only until July 1, when it goes back up to €30m.’
Arsenal are believed to be in the market for a new centre-back, and although Bartra may not be on top of Arsene Wenger’s list of defensive recruits, he remains a very realistic option for the Frenchman this summer.
But if Arsenal are keen on Bartra then they ought to snap him up before the end of June, after which they would have to pay Barcelona £21.6 million for the defender’s services.
Truly Arsenal needs a couple of players including 1 defender, 2 Defending Midfielders and 1 attackers and i believe Bartras would fit on this list. Having in 2 DM, will help reduce pressure upon the central defense more so especially during games with teams like Man U, Chelsea which are more filled with sharp attacking midfield?