In a recent report, ESPN has revealed that Barcelona‘s second bid has been declined for Norwich City right-back Max Aarons during this summer transfer period. It is believed that the Catalans have agreed on personal terms with the English defender after identifying him as an ideal replacement for Nelson Semedo this summer. However, Barca have failed to come to an agreement with the Canaries over a potential move before next month’s transfer deadline (via ESPN).
Aarons’ Incredible Rise In English Football Recently
The 20-year-old made a lot of admirers for his impressive displays on the right side of the Norwich backline despite the Norfolk club’s relegation from the Premier League last season. The talented youngster participated in 40 matches for his current employers in the previous campaign, picking up two assists and seven yellow cards in multiple competitions.
Aarons has matured as a right-back at Carrow Road over the past 12 months after averaging 1.3 tackles, 1.0 interceptions, 2.0 clearances, 0.6 key passes and 1.3 dribbles per 90 minutes in the English top-flight. The Norwich City youth product took care of the ball well when distributing it from the right flank as evident from his pass completion rate of 78.9% in league football (stats via whoscored).
The English defensive ace should jump at the chance of making a switch to the Nou Camp this summer, but the Canaries are in no hurry to cash in on him as the player’s contract with the Norfolk outfit is set to run down in the summer of 2024.
What Are The English Prospect’s Best Attributes?
Aarons is proficient at the beating the opposition using his quickness and agility out on the right-wing. He has a habit of getting to the by-line but can sometimes lack the end-product in the decisive end of the pitch. The English whizkid is always willing to work hard for his side and can keep a solid shape defensively when the opposition side is threatening his teammates on the counter. However, there is no denying that Aarons is still too inexperienced to feature in the Spanish first division week in week out.
Should Barca Give Up Their Pursuit Of Aarons?
Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman should only make another move for Aarons if he is confident about his chances of getting the best out of the right-back in the coming years. The Catalans would need to be patient with his development as Aarons is far from a finished product and would need time to settle into life in Spain.
At the moment, Koeman would be wise to look at some of his other targets for the right-back position as Aarons is not good enough to start in his first-team this season. Hence, the Spanish giants should contemplate on giving up their pursuit of the Canaries full-back and bring in a more experienced right-back to replace Semedo before the transfer deadline next month.
