It isn’t often that a football club will splurge £33 million on a player and turn around two years later to sell him (or is it?). However, that is exactly what Barcelona are attempting to do with midfielder Andre Gomes. The Portuguese player is surplus to requirements at Camp Nou and the Spanish club has reportedly told Arsenal to sign him.

Gomes is currently valued at just under £14m by one transfer website. It is a decrease of over £13m from his valuation when Valencia cashed-in on Gomes in 2016. Barcelona are said to be so unimpressed with Gomes that the club will consider ‘any offer’ from Arsenal.

So, what would the Gunners be getting if they bought Gomes? Moreover, what would he offer Unai Emery’s new-look Arsenal side?

Andre Gomes: Can he find form?

Gomes was impressive in two seasons at Valencia. Between 2014 and 2016, Gomes played 53 La Liga matches and scored six goals while contributing five assists, according to the polish site Totolotek. He has been played mostly in the centre of midfield on the left side during his career. It is a position Barcelona have plenty of talent in already. It may even be difficult for Gomes to break into the Gunners’ starting XI, if he arrives from Camp Nou.

Although the Portuguese player appeared in 30 matches for Barcelona in his first season, he only played 16 La Liga games last term. He accumulated fewer than 630 minutes on the pitch in domestic competition recording no goals and no assists. Just ten of Gomes 16 appearances came as starts.

Gomes did appear in 15 cup matches in both the Copa del Rey and Champions League. His eight starts in the Champions League would give Arsenal a player experienced in Europe’s leading cup competition. However, football supporters will remember the way in which Barcelona crashed out of the Champions League quarterfinals against Roma giving up three goals without reply in the second leg. Gomes appeared as a substitute in that match.

Andre Gomes: Would he fit in at Arsenal?

Emery has already purchased 22-year-old Lucas Torreira from Sampdoria. The defensive midfielder will play a similar role to the one Gomes would, if he signed from Barcelona. Torreira is two and a half years younger than Gomes and will enter his prime years while at the Emirates. Gomes will turn 25 in late July.

Gomes’ weaknesses should give Arsenal supporters some cause for alarm. Despite Barcelona paying big money for him in 2016, his faults have become apparent after being masked by Valencia squad which achieved little for two seasons. Gomes’ short passing style of play may have fit in better with former manager Arsene Wenger’s tactics. Emery wants a more in-your-face pressing style and Gomes’ poor tackling could result in unnecessary fouls and yellow cards. Finishing is another weak area for Gomes.

Emery was only supposed to have £70m in his transfer kitty. If the Gunners’ board allow Emery to bring in another expensive midfielder, then Arsenal should think twice before pulling the transfer trigger on Gomes.

These transfers would definitely change the chances of Arsenal for a title in Premier League this season. Check the latest odds here.