England's Marcus McGuane is Barcelona B's fifth January signing
The Arsenal midfielder has joined the Catalan club's second string
The midfielder made his debut in the Europa League this season
Young Arsenal star Marcus McGuane as become Barcelona B's fifth signing of January, the club confirmed on Tuesday.
McGuane was being followed by a number of Premier League clubs, as well as other sides such as Napoli, but finally decided on Barça with his Arsenal terms expiring this summer.
He was a key piece of Arsenal's U21 side and made is first team debut in the Europa League this season. He has represented England at youth level and is also eligible for the Republic of Ireland.
"FC Barcelona and Arsenal have come to an agreement by which the midfielder Marcus McGuane will be transferred to Barça B," a statement read from the Catalan club.
"McGuane’s deal will keep him at Barça for three seasons, plus two optional years. The buyout clause has been set at €25m.
"McGuane passed his medical with the FC Barcelona medical services team and formalised the deal on Tuesday afternoon at the Club’s offices at the Ciutat Esportiva.
"On hand for the signing were the Football Manager, Pep Segura, and the Technical Secretary for Professional Academy Football, Jose Mari Bakero."
Naturally, McGuane is a central midfielder, but he has also played as centre-back and at full-back in the past, with his versatility praised by Arsene Wenger.
📝🔵🔴 ÚLTIMA HORA - Acuerdo con el @Arsenal para el traspaso de Marcus McGuane. El jugador ha firmado como azulgrana para las próximas tres temporadas con opción a dos más https://t.co/fKcrg17VEJ #BarçaB #BeWelcome pic.twitter.com/y5thEWaC1g
— FC Barcelona B (@FCBarcelonaB) 30 de enero de 2018