The Ghanaian international was one of the biggest transfers of the summer 2020 window after arriving from Atletico Madrid, but has not yet penned a new contract in London and has reportedly set his sights on life back in Spain.

Barcelona have been identified as the midfielder's favourite suitors and with their currently dire financial situation, bringing the 31-year-old in on a free contract offers an easy way to bolster their squad without splashing the cash.

Speaking on the midfielder's contract situation during the winter window Mikel Arteta said: "We will have the right time to discuss the situation. He is showing consistency at the highest level, again because his availability and the way that he feels physically is allowing him to do that, and I am very pleased with that."

According to reports from Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo a move to Camp Nou is the desired option for the Arsenal man, who before his move to north London spent his entire career in Spain.

His experience is thought to be something that is increasingly attractive to Barca with the Catalan club's midfield currently relying on unproven youngsters Marc Casado and Marc Bernal to provide depth for Frenkie De Jong and Pedri.