Barcelona release major Dani Olmo statement as Arsenal January transfer reality clear
Arsenal have been dealt a major blow in their reported hopes of signing Barcelona star Dani Olmo.
Reports in recent weeks had claimed that the Gunners were weighing up a swoop to sign the Spain international amid uncertainty around his future at the Camp Nou. Olmo only signed for the La Liga giants last summer from RB Leipzig in a high-profile deal worth £50million.
The last few weeks have seen Olmo heavily linked with a move away from Barca amid financial issues at the club. The Spanish giants were only able to register Olmo for the first half of the season when the deal was agreed, with that registration ending on December 31.
READ MORE: Ruben Amorim confirms surprise Man United team decision for Arsenal FA Cup clash
READ MORE: Nico Williams to Arsenal transfer truth as Mikel Arteta January reality now clear
Arsenal were among those clubs linked with signing Olmo amid concerns from Barca that they may not be able to register the 26-year-old for the second half of the season. The Gunners were also joined by Manchester United and Manchester City, who have also been linked with his signature in recent weeks.
However, Barca confirmed on Thursday that Olmo has formally been registered for the second half of the season and he's now in no danger of leaving the club during the January transfer window. The La Liga club also confirmed that Pau Victor has also been registered, whose future was in a similar situation to Olmo's.
"Good news for FC Barcelona. Dani Olmo and Pau Victor have been registered for La Liga and are, therefore, available for selection by coach Hansi Flick - including for Sunday's Spanish Super Cup Final at 8pm CET," the statement from Barcelona read.
"On Wednesday, the Higher Sports Council (Consejo Superior de Deportes, CSD) announced an injunction giving the green light for the two players to play."
The news will be a major blow to Arsenal if the rumours about being interested in signing Olmo in a cut-price deal this month were true. The Gunners will now have to look at other potential targets to strengthen their squad, with the deadline set for February 3.
