Arsenal are reportedly monitoring Barcelona midfielder Andre Gomes, currently on loan at Everton, ahead of a potential summer transfer.

ESPN claim their sources have informed them that Arsenal are ‘monitoring’ the midfielder with the intention of challenging Everton for his signature this summer. Gomes is on loan with the Toffees as it stands, and the Gunners are yet to make any kind of official move for the player.

Barcelona are keen to sell though, and both Unai Emery and Raul Sanllehi are fans of the player. With Aaron Ramsey leaving this summer, it certainly seems likely Arsenal will make some kind of signing in central midfield.

Gomes doesn’t really look like the man to fill that gap though. He’s having a pretty average season with Everton, and he’s certainly not regularly involved in the goals, with just three direct goal contributions in 28 matches.

Arsenal don’t need another defensive-minded midfielder, because they already have Lucas Torreira, Matteo Guendouzi, Granit Xhaka and Mohamed Elneny. They need someone who can help out more at the other end. For now, I’d treat this rumour with a healthy dose of scepticism.