Rumour: Arsenal and Liverpool target Cristian Tello staying put at Barcelona

Cristian Tello

Reports in Spain suggest that Arsenal and Liverpool target Cristian Tello will be staying put at Barcelona. The winger had been linked with loan moves to the Premier League pair earlier in the window, with some rumours resurfacing over the past few days.

However Spanish press have put those rumours to bed, with The Express quoting reports in Spain that “emphatically deny” that Tello is to move from Barcelona.

Tello has found himself on the edge of the Barcelona side this season, leading to speculation that he could be allowed to move away from the club. With Arsenal and Liverpool both seeking reinforcements in attacking areas, links were inevitably made to Tello, but a move looks to be unlikely

The 22 year old has made 13 league appearances for Barcelona this season, but has started just two of those. Last season he made 22 appearances, with ten of those coming from the bench, scoring seven goals.

Both clubs linked with Tello are still in the market for deadline day attacking reinforcements. Arsenal look set to miss out on Schalke’s Julian Draxler, and could still return in the summer for the player Wenger is believed to see as the new Robin Van Persie. The Gunners may instead sign Lazio’s Miroslav Klose, whilst Liverpool are attempting to tie up a deal for Dnipro’s Yevhen Konoplyanka.

Tello created a chance every 56 minutes for Barcelona in La Liga last season.