Dest shuns Bayern Munich, Arsenal for Barca stay

United States international Sergino Dest has turned down approaches from Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal to remain at Barcelona.

Monaco also sounded out a move for Dest, but all four clubs were knocked back by both the player and Barca.

Sources explain the clubs had hoped to take advantage of Barca’s financial situation by making a move for Dest, who joined the Catalan club from Ajax for an initial €20 million last September.

Barca need to raise funds and reduce the wage bill to be able to register their new signings and Lionel Messi’s new contract while complying with LaLiga’s financial fair play rules. President Joan Laporta has said the club are open to “all proposals.”

Barca are well-stocked at right-back. In addition to Dest, they also have Emerson Royal and Sergi Roberto, while Oscar Mingueza can also play there, but they are not planning to move the USMNT defender on. Coach Ronald Koeman is especially keen to keep Dest, 20, who has no intention of leaving.

One source with knowledge of the situation said Barca were satisfied with Dest’s first season at the club and believe in his potential to establish himself as the club’s No. 1 right-back moving forward while also providing backup for Jordi Alba at left-back.

read alsoBarcelona in race against tidy Messi deal early August

He made 41 appearances in his first season at the club, scoring three goals, and has started both of their friendlies in preseason so far. He is with the squad in Germany ahead of Saturday’s match against Stuttgart.