Barcelona, Arsenal and five clubs in race to sign Zakaria on a Bosman

Tom Grant

Updated: 29 Dec 2021 17:20 GMT
3 min read

Man Utd transfer news: Zakaria edges towards Gladbach exit — © ProShots

Denis Zakaria will leave Borussia Monchengladbach when his contract expires in the summer, and some of Europe's top clubs are chasing his signature.

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Gladbach released a statement on Wednesday that the 25-year-old would not be signing a new deal and would be leaving the club.

The Swiss international midfielder has caught the eye of Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Juventus with his performances for Gladbach this season and is keen to leave to find Champions League football.

Two English clubs are also in talks with the player's agent according to Fabrizio Romano.

One of these is said to be Arsenal, who tried to sign Zakaria in the summer.

Official. Denis Zakaria has communicated to Borussia Mönchengladbach his plan to leave the club as free agent at the end of the season. 📩⚪️ #BMG

FC Bayern, Barcelona, Juventus and two English clubs are in contact with his agent. Nothing agreed/decided yet.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 29, 2021

Leicester and Everton have previously contacted the German club to ask about his availability.

The player is free to speak to clubs in January, and with the Gunners tracking Zakaria since last summer, they are confident they are in the driving seat to secure his signature.

Who is Zakaria and where will he end up?

Zakaria started his career at Young Boys in his native Switzerland before moving to Gladbach for €12 million in 2017.

He has represented Switzerland 40 times, scoring three goals.

He is known as a more defensive-minded central midfield player and would provide competition to Thomas Partey in Mikel Arteta's Arsenal side.

Barcelona head coach Xavi is in the midst of a rebuilding job with limited financial resources at his disposal following the recent purchase of Ferran Torres from Manchester City.

Any player of quality that is available on a free transfer would interest the Blaugrana and the club still have pulling power despite their financial woes.

German giants Bayern may be able to convince Zakaria to stay in Germany given their recent dismantling of Barca in the Champions League. They remain one of the favourites for this year's competition.

Juventus have struggled this season but will be hopeful a deal can be reached and may be willing to part with transfer funds to get the player in January.