According to Mundo Deportivo in their Thursday edition, Arsenal were the first club to inquire about the availability of Dani Olmo, as Barcelona’s financial turmoil places the midfielder’s future in serious doubt.
With the January transfer window open, clubs across Europe, including Arsenal, are closely monitoring Dani Olmo’s precarious situation at Barcelona, where La Liga’s stringent financial regulations have created a potential opportunity for a free transfer.
The uncertainty surrounding Dani Olmo continued when he and Pau Víctor were removed from Barcelona’s official registered squad list on New Year’s Eve due to the club’s failure to meet La Liga’s economic control regulations. La Liga then issued a statement: “As of today, December 31, FC Barcelona has not presented an alternative that complies with La Liga’s economic control regulations, allowing them to register any player as of January 2.”
Barcelona had scrambled to register Olmo after his summer move from RB Leipzig, but the expiration of their financial arrangement has left the Spanish international unregistered for the second half of the season.
The situation has sent shockwaves through European football, with top clubs lining up to explore the possibility of signing Olmo without a transfer fee due to a clause in his contract regarding this issue.
Arsenal, alongside Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham, Bayern Munich, and Bayer Leverkusen, are all said to be interested. Even within Spain, clubs such as Atlético Madrid are keeping a close eye on developments.
Despite the mounting interest, Olmo’s priority remains staying at Barcelona. Sources close to the player suggest that he is committed to exploring every avenue to remain at the club he fought hard to return to last summer after leaving at 16 for Dinamo Zagreb. However, Barcelona’s inability to resolve their financial issues has left the door ajar for a move.
La Liga’s regulations prevent a player from being registered twice in the same season, a rule that complicates Barcelona’s efforts to retain Olmo’s services. The club has appealed to the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) for a new licence, but with time ticking away, their options are dwindling as they seek approval for a VIP seating agreement that could add €100m to their bank account. Spread over 20 years, however, this sounds more impressive than it is.
Meanwhile, La Liga has categorically stated that Barcelona has failed to present a viable financial solution.
While Olmo has expressed his desire to remain at Barcelona, the lack of progress in resolving his situation means Arsenal and other suitors remain on high alert as the transfer saga unfolds.
Why do Arsenal want Dani Olmo?
Dani Olmo is a dynamic and highly intelligent attacking midfielder whose versatility makes him a valuable asset in various tactical systems. His playing style is characterised by exceptional spatial awareness, technical precision, and an ability to influence games in the final third.
Positional versatility
Olmo can operate effectively across multiple roles, including as a traditional number 10, a wide playmaker cutting inside from the flanks, or even as a deeper-lying midfielder when the game demands it.
This adaptability has been honed by his diverse footballing education, from the La Masia academy at Barcelona to his time in the Bundesliga and the Croatian league.
Ball control and creativity
His close control under pressure and ability to operate in tight spaces make him a nightmare for defenders.
Olmo excels at threading incisive passes between defensive lines, linking midfield and attack seamlessly.
His quick decision-making enables him to capitalise on fleeting opportunities, often creating chances for teammates with perfectly weighted through balls or clever one-touch play.
Off-the-ball movement
One of Olmo’s standout traits is his off-the-ball intelligence.
He frequently exploits half-spaces, drifting into areas that unsettle defensive structures. This movement not only creates opportunities for himself but also drags defenders out of position, opening lanes for his teammates to exploit.
Goal threat
While primarily a creator, Olmo is also a potent goal threat. He has a keen eye for goal, demonstrated by his ability to arrive late in the box and finish with precision.
His strikes often come from a mix of composed finishes in one-on-one situations and powerful, well-placed efforts from the edge of the area. His technique allows him to strike cleanly with both feet, adding an element of unpredictability.
Work rate and pressing
Olmo is as effective off the ball as he is on it. His high work rate and understanding of pressing schemes make him a key component in systems that rely on winning the ball back high up the pitch.
He frequently forces turnovers by applying intelligent, well-timed pressure, highlighting his tactical discipline and commitment.
Set-piece prowess
Olmo is also a threat from set pieces, with the ability to deliver pinpoint crosses and strike directly on goal from free-kick situations. His composure and technical consistency make him a trusted option for dead-ball scenarios.
Psychological and leadership attributes
A natural leader on the pitch, Olmo’s composure, maturity, and determination often shine in high-pressure situations.
Despite his creative flair, he remains a disciplined player who adheres to tactical instructions and prioritises the team’s success over individual accolades.
Suitability for modern football
Olmo’s combination of technique, tactical intelligence, and physical endurance makes him the archetype of a modern attacking midfielder.
His ability to perform at a high level in various systems, from high-tempo pressing sides to possession-based teams, underscores his value as a versatile and highly effective player.