- Arsenal are set to compete with a host of clubs for Barcelona youngster Mikayil Faye
- The 19-year-old La Masia star is also being tracked by Manchester United
- Jurgen Klopp has the eye of the tiger! He hasn’t seemed so confident since 2019. Listen to the It’s all Kicking Off podcast
Arsenal have joined the ranks of Barcelona B defender Mikayil Faye ahead of a potential summer move.
Mailsport revealed last month that Manchester United, Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich have all been eyeing the powerful young centre-back, who can also play as a left-back.
United scouts spotted the 19-year-old scoring a spectacular goal on his international debut for Senegal against Gabon in March and he followed it up with a thunderous free-kick for Barcelona Atletic against Osasuna a week later.
He has been named in Barcelona’s first-team squad and is expected to be called up before the end of the season, with head coach Xavi Faye tipped for a bright future.
“Yes, he has already played a number of friendly matches,” Xavi told the Spanish media. ‘He’s a capable footballer, he’s aggressive, he’s fast, he can get the ball out well. He might help us someday. He has the level, without any doubt.’
Arsenal have joined the ranks after Barcelona B defender Mikayil Faye
Arsenal are ready to back Mikel Arteta again this summer in his quest for the Premier League title
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However, Barcelona’s financial constraints mean Faye is also emerging as a viable target for rival clubs who are keeping a close eye on his progress.
Barcelona believe they can make a substantial profit on the teenager they bought for just £4 million from NK Kustosija last summer ahead of competition from Chelsea.
Indeed, the Spanish giants are hoping they can now get £25million for Faye as interest grows.
Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen are particularly excited as they view Faye as a player whose value could quickly double if his progress continues, while United and Bayern Munich want to be kept informed.
Barcelona’s financial constraints mean Faye (right) is also emerging as a viable target for rival clubs
Barcelona first team head coach Xavi has given Faye a bright future in football
Arsenal’s presence will also give Barcelona extra encouragement. They can demand a substantial fee for a player who is under contract until 2027 and has a release clause of £344 million.
Arsenal are ready to back Mikel Arteta again this summer in his quest for the Premier League title. They want to improve in all areas, attack, midfield, defense and will add a goalkeeper with Newcastle goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale expected to leave.
Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres, Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi and Columbus Crew’s Patrick Schulte are all on their watchlist.
They want young, versatile players who are confident in possession and Faye fits that profile too.
