Barcelona Starlet an Arsenal Target with Flick Willing to Sell

Barcelona Starlet Eyed Premier League Leaders with Camp Nou Minutes Limited

Arsenal are no strangers to signing Spaniards - Mikel Arteta, being Spanish himself, clearly values the presence of fellow countrymen dearly in his teams and, as such, has brought in the likes of Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, David Raya and Cristhian Mosquera in the last three seasons.

However, exceptionally young signings are a different thing altogether - very rarely do Arsenal go and purchase a player under the age of 22, with Mosquera and Brazilian flop Marquinhos the only exceptions to that since the start of 2022/23.

🚨Arsenal eyes Barcelona's Dani Rodríguez, 20, for 2026 transfer, Mikel Arteta is impressed #AFC #Transfers.

🔹Rodríguez is a versatile right-winger from La Masia, Hansi Flick open to his departure #Barcelona #LaMasia.

🔹The Spaniard has won UEFA European Under-19… pic.twitter.com/kbdKvGYKp0

— Oscargo 🥷 (@caarafc) January 11, 2026

In recent days it has become clear that Arteta is tempted to breach these age confines this January transfer window, with 20-year-old Barcelona talent Dani Rodriguez making his way onto the manager's radar.

Who is Dani Rodriguez?

With just one senior appearance for Barcelona to his name, Dani Rodriguez would not be a marquee signing for Arsenal. At 20, he certainly represents a brilliant talent for the future but as of now is still very raw and underdeveloped, meaning that should Arsenal seal his signature, he would not be thrown into the first team right away.

Rodriguez has been at Barcelona his entire young career, playing the majority of his minutes for Barcelona Atletic in the third tier of Spain.

However, despite playing at this lowly level, he has impressed, and as a result, the right winger has worked his way into the Spain U21 level. Despite being yet to start a game at this level, it is a testament to Rodriguez’ ability that he is put in the squad, and is considered a key part of Spain’s future.

However, Barca manager Hansi Flick does not see the same future for him in the Barcelona senior team. With the right-wing position already stacked to the ceiling with the likes of Lamine Yamal and Roony Badgjhi, it is unlikely that Rodriguez will regularly, if ever, break into the senior 11 in the event of injury or illness.

As such, he must now start to consider his options and where he wants to play the majority of his future football. Though a numbe of clubs are interested in the youngster, Arsenal are the only outfit to officially declare their intention of signing him, and the move has many positives.

Rodriguez would be playing under a Spanish manager, meaning that he would be led by his own compatriot, in the process breaking down the language barrier and making it easier to understand what would be desired of him.

Arsenal serait intéressé par Dani Rodriguez ! 🔍🇪🇸

🗞️ @transferfeedcom pic.twitter.com/TQL6IIxQpg

— Temps Additionnel (@TempsAddit) January 10, 2026

Arsenal also have very clear development pathways, and should Rodriguez immediately fail to break into the first team, then a loan move or extended training programme could see him come on in different ways.

Though his official market value sits under £1 million, Rodriguez’ reputation as a La Masia product will no doubt add a couple of figures to that total. However, the winger shows such great promise that the small fee required to pay for his services now could look completely measly in coming years.

Whether it is at Arsenal or elsewhere, keep an eye out for the name Dani Rodriguez.