Arsenal contact agent of Lionel Messi successor as club plans to make a crucial signing in the summer
According to reports from Spain, Arsenal has contacted the agent of Barcelona star Ansu Fati in preparation for a possible summer transfer.
Before this season, Fati recovered from a series of injuries, including a serious knee injury in 2020 that resulted in a 10-month layoff.
However, regular playing time has been difficult for the 20-year-old, who wore the number 10 shirt Lionel Messi wore prior to his 2021 departure for PSG. Seven games in La Liga and one in the Champions League are the only ones in which he has started.
According to the Spanish publication Sport, Fati expected to play more this season. Nonetheless, he has fallen behind Ousmane Dembele in the pecking order, as Barca manager Xavi regularly deploys two forwards.
Even in Dembele’s recent injury absence, Xavi has preferred Raphinha to start in an advanced role, and he substituted Fati for 11 minutes in Sunday’s 3-0 victory over Sevilla.
Fabrizio Romano has asserted that Manchester United has “excellent ties” with Fati’s agent, despite the fact that no discussions have taken place between the two clubs or agents at this time.
Now, Arsenal appears to have entered the competition to sign the Spain international.
According to Helena Condis of the Spanish publication Cadena COPE, Arsenal has contacted Fati’s agent Jorge Mendes to inquire about the forward’s availability this summer.
However, similar to United, the Gunners have not yet made a formal offer. Given Xavi’s system switch this season, Fati is reportedly concerned about his standing within the squad.
However, Barcelona do not wish to sell the forward, and his contract runs through the summer of 2027, which is likely to make negotiations challenging.
In January, Arsenal bolstered their forward line by acquiring Leandro Trossard from Brighton. The Belgian international has made three appearances for the Gunners thus far, including a key role in the buildup to Eddie Nketiah’s game-winning goal in last month’s 3-2 victory over Manchester United.
Arsenal contact agent of Lionel Messi successor as club plans to make a crucial signing in the summer
