According to Portuguese newspaper Record, Barcelona sent a club representative to Saturday's match between Estoril and Porto to watch Jordan Arnolin. GOAL reported that Arnolin has caught the eye of Barcelona's sporting department as they hunt for defensive reinforcements, with a deal possible in the winter window.
Barcelona's interest
Hansi Flick has refused to rule out new signings, given the shortage the team is suffering in certain defensive positions. Catalan scouts have tracked Arnolin's development since his appearances with Portugal's Under-18 side, and they continue to monitor him at Under-19 level.
Player profile
Arnolin is 18 years old and can play at centre-back, full-back and in defensive midfield. He is tied to Estoril until 30 June 2029. Arnolin is the son of former footballer Gregory Arnolin, who turned out for Portuguese clubs including Maritimo and Gil Vicente.
Porto match details
Arnolin made his first start in the Portuguese league on 31 October, in the meeting between Porto and Estoril that ended 4-0 to the hosts. Arnolin was hauled off in the 62nd minute, with his side trailing by two goals. In those minutes on the pitch, Arnolin touched the ball 26 times and completed 13 of his 15 passes, adding three tackles and six clearances from the defensive midfield role. He had already featured in four other league matches before that first start against Porto.
Other interest and Barcelona's search
According to Record, Brighton and Lille are interested in Arnolin. Barcelona chased Twente's Ruud Nistad this summer, but his club refused to negotiate over a departure, despite interest from Barcelona and Premier League sides.
