Arsenal and Liverpool have been put on high alert by Ibrahim Afellay’s agent after announcing his client’s willingness to move elsewhere on a temporary basis.
Afellay spent most of last season recovering from a knee surgery, and with the Catalan club looking to strengthen their squad; they have decided to offload Afellay who is deemed surplus to their requirements at Camp Nou. New Barca boss Tito Vilanova is willing to sell some of his less important stars so as to raise funds for the signing of their top transfer target Javi Martinez.
Arsenal have been joined by Merseyside club Liverpool in the chase for Afellay’s sign although it is clearly understood that the Dutchman would prefer a move to the Emirates if the Londoners do make a formal offer. However, Arsene Wenger is still contemplating over the value in the deal given the salary demands that the former PSV star is believed to be making.
The 26 year old’s agent, Robert Jansen, told Italian website CalcioMercato that although there are plenty of Premier League sides interested in the Dutch midfielder, a move to the Serie A cannot be ruled out.
“Afellay can go on loan for next season,” he said. “Maybe to Italy, It is a great league,” Jansen said.
Inter Milan were reported earlier to be strongly interested in the Barcelona midfielder after his Dutch compatriot Wesley Sneijder urged his club to sign Afellay at all costs.