- 22 Dec 2024
Puig to Arsenal? Koeman says he has no problem with Barcelona outcast
Carlo Garganese
- Updated: 19 May 2021 11:24 BST
- 2 min read
Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman insists that he has no problem with Arsenal-linked midfielder Riqui Puig, despite the youngster’s lack of action.
Koeman remarked on Friday that Barca’s younger players should look to move clubs in January in order to earn game-time they won’t get at Camp Nou.
This was interpreted as a message for Puig, who Koeman had told as early as last summer that he was not in his first-team plans.
Puig has been heavily linked with a number of big clubs in Europe, including Milan, Leeds and, in particular, Arsenal.
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“It’s as if I have a problem with him and that is not the case,” Koeman insisted on Saturday.
“I spoke about young players in general, like Konrad, Junior, Matheus. They haven’t played many minutes, either, but you always pick one name. It’s not good for me or for Riqui.
“I want the best for every player and there’s no problem, but it depends on each player and they have to be in agreement [about what’s best].”
The 21-year-old Puig has been handed just 22 minutes of action in La Liga this season.
He has been compared in style of play to Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta.
