BREAKING NEWS: “He cleary told me the only club he wantѕ to joіn іѕ Arѕenal and I’m dіѕaррoіnted іn hіm becauѕe at hіѕ level I thіnkѕ he’ѕ above Arѕenal’ѕ level”: Barcelona coach Hanѕі Flіck angered by hіѕ рlayer’ѕ decіѕіon to reject new deal to joіn Arѕenal. HANSI FLICK IS FEELING DISAPPOINTED.

In a dramatic and unexpected twist that has rattled Barcelona and electrified the Premier League, head coach Hansi Flick has openly voiced his disappointment after one of his top players rejected a fresh contract offer in order to push for a move to Arsenal. The German manager, known for his calm public demeanor, showed visible frustration as he revealed that the player informed him directly that Arsenal was the only destination he wanted.

Barcelona officials have declined to reveal the player’s identity due to negotiations still being active, but multiple reliable sources inside the club suggest that Frenkie de Jong is the most likely name. The Dutch midfielder has been central to Barcelona’s system since Flick arrived in 2024 and is one of the few players the coach has consistently defended in public.

According to insiders, De Jong has grown increasingly dissatisfied with Barcelona’s financial instability and the club’s lack of long term direction. Despite a significant January spending spree that brought in names like Marcus Rashford and Nico Williams, the midfielder is believed to feel that the overall project lacks clarity.

Flick did not hide his emotions when addressing reporters. He explained that two weeks earlier, the player walked into his office and made his intentions clear. The midfielder reportedly said that he respected the coach and loved Barcelona, but he saw his future only at Arsenal. Flick admitted that he was stunned, especially because he believed the player was performing at a level higher than what Arsenal could currently offer.

He added that he had encouraged the player to stay, insisting that Barcelona was building a squad capable of returning to the top of European football. However, he also said that he would never force someone to remain at the club against his wishes. His comments indicated a deep sense of betrayal, especially given the trust he had placed in the midfielder.

The tension surrounding this story intensified further because the news arrived shortly after Barcelona completed a massive €350 million squad overhaul. With several players leaving and top signings arriving, Flick hoped this would convince the unsettled midfielder to commit long term. Instead, it appears to have fueled his desire to leave for a more stable environment.

Arsenal, led by Mikel Arteta, have admired De Jong for several seasons. Sources say the Gunners are prepared to activate his €80 million release clause, although it will drop to €60 million in the summer of 2026. Reports indicate the midfielder has already reached a verbal agreement on a five year contract worth €12 million per year after tax, with a significant signing bonus included.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta issued a brief but firm statement. He insisted that the club does not sell its best players in January unless the offer is extraordinary and the player forces an exit. His words suggest that negotiations will be tough, especially if Arsenal demand a quick resolution.

Despite this, Flick made it clear that he is hurt by the situation. He reminded reporters that he trusted the midfielder enough to give him the captain’s armband in three matches this season. He believed the player was central to the project he was building, which makes his desire to leave even more painful.

As expected, the news immediately dominated social media. The hashtag #DeJongToArsenal exploded across platforms, while Barcelona supporters launched the #FrenkieSeQueda campaign in a desperate attempt to convince the midfielder to stay. Arsenal fans, on the other hand, celebrated by sharing videos of De Jong’s ball carrying and passing abilities under tactical systems similar to Arteta’s.

Xavi Hernández, speaking as a pundit, offered a calm perspective. He said that no matter how talented a player is, if his heart is somewhere else, the club must let him go. His comments have added to the debate about whether Barcelona should fight to keep De Jong or accept Arsenal’s proposal.

Negotiations are ongoing, but Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar is reportedly already in Barcelona to accelerate talks. If financial agreements are finalised, an announcement could come as early as Monday. The situation is fluid, and both clubs are preparing for rapid developments.

For Flick, this saga represents more than just a transfer. It touches on trust, ambition, and loyalty. He closed the press conference by saying he does not coach for fame or money, but for players who want to fight alongside him. His disappointment was clear, and the tension between club, coach, and player continues to build.