Unai Emery Has Reportedly 'Asked' Arsenal to Sign Barcelona's Andre Gomes

Arsenal manager Unai Emery has reportedly "asked" the club to sign Barcelona's Andre Gomes.

According to Mundo Deportivo (h/t Sport Witness), Emery wants the Gunners to recruit the Portugal international, though they have yet to make an offer for him.

Barca are hoping to have Gomes' exit handled before they start their pre-season tour on July 24, and as such, it's said they could approach Arsenal regarding the transfer.

Gomes arrived from Valencia in 2016 at the age of 22 on the back of two strong seasons with Los Che, and there was plenty of excitement surrounding the heights he could reach.

However, he struggled to settle under former manager Luis Enrique and was jeered by his own fans at the Camp Nou.

Things did not improve under Ernesto Valverde last season, as he started just 12 games in all competitions.

In an interview with Panenka, he did not mince his words when discussing his difficulties in Catalonia earlier this year (h/t football journalist Rik Sharma):

As a result of his struggles, the 24-year-old did not make Portugal's 23-man World Cup squad—a tournament in which, upon his arrival at Barca, it looked as though he would play a key role.

If the Blaugrana are prepared to let him leave for a reasonable price, he could still be a good signing for the Gunners, who could give him the platform to reignite his career.

It may not have worked out for him in Barcelona, but they signed him for a reason; with his good distribution and composure, he can pull the strings in midfield. He also likes to break forward and support attacks when freed up to do so.

Barca signed him in a deal potentially worth up to £46 million, though. If their hope is to recoup most of that, it would be a somewhat risky purchase for Arsenal.