The Arsenal academy graduate Marcus McGuane has joined Barcelona B on a five-year deal for an undisclosed fee.
The 18-year-old came through Arsenal’s youth ranks after joining at under-six level. The England Under-19s midfielder played twice for the first team this season in Europa League matches against Red Star Belgrade and Bate Borisov.
Barcelona confirmed McGuane, who was picked among the 20 best young players at Premier League clubs by the Guardian in 2015, would initially join up with their B squad and hold an option to extend his contract, which has a buyout clause set at €25m (£22.5m).
A Barcelona statement read: “McGuane’s deal will keep him at Barça for three seasons, plus two option years. The buy-out clause has been set at €25m.”
📝🔵🔴 BREAKING NEWS - Agreement with @Arsenal for the transfer of Marcus McGuane. 18-year-old midfielder joins Barça B on a three-year deal with an option to two more https://t.co/05kutjlHh8 #BarçaB #BeWelcome pic.twitter.com/YzxozgTvpF
— FC Barcelona B (@FCBarcelonaB) January 30, 2018
Arsenal added: “We would like to thank Marcus for his contribution and wish him well at Barcelona.”