According to reports in Spain, Arsenal have expressed interest in signing young Barcelona defender Mikayil Faye in the upcoming summer transfer window. However, the Gunners will face tough competition as other top European clubs are also tracking the player.
Mikayil Faye started his youth career with Diambars FC in Senegal, graduating from the academy in 2022. He joined Croatian side NK Kustošija in February 2023 for a brief period before moving to Barça Atletic, the Barcelona B team, in July 2023.
The 19-year-old centre-back has been a key player for the Barca B team since joining them, making 28 appearances. His impressive performances for the Catalan reserves earned him his senior debut for the Senegal national team last month and has also grabbed the attention of the top European clubs
Now, according to Spanish outlet Sport (via Daily Cannon), Barcelona centre-back Mikayil Faye has ignited the interest of Premier League side Arsenal. The club officials at the Emirates are hugely impressed with his displays for the Barca B team.
Despite performing brilliantly this season, it seems boss Mikel Arteta doesn’t want to get complacent. The Arsenal manager is looking to continue strengthening the squad ahead of next season and wants to reinforce the backline by bringing in young talents like Mikayil Faye.
However, it wouldn’t be straightforward signing for the Gunners as they will face substantial competition. The report claims that European giants like Manchester United and Juventus are also interested in signing the Senegalese defender.
Manchester United have struggled with injuries throughout the season, especially in the defensive department. New co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to bolster the backline ahead of next campaign, with the club official identifying the Senegal international as a top target.
🚨 Arsenal are set to rival Manchester United for the signing of Barcelona's 19-year-old centre-back Mikayil Faye.
(Source: Calciomercato) pic.twitter.com/77451pemlz
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) April 5, 2024
Meanwhile, the Blaugrana have insisted that they have no intention of selling him or loaning him out in the upcoming summer transfer window. But, the defender’s representatives have shown inclination towards moving to other European teams.
The Catalans know the worth of the young centre-back, so they have incorporated a €400m release clause into his contract that is valid until 2027. Barcelona intend to provide him with senior-team opportunities before the season ends to convince him to stay at Camp Nou.
However, the 19-year-old is still playing for the reserves team and there seems to be very less meaningful chance of him playing for the senior team as of now. The Spanish giants already have set centre-back players in the first-team squad which could convince the youngster to consider a move away.
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Mikayil Faye has great physique, speed, and strength and in case Arsenal sign him, it will definitely be a signing for the future. Mikel Arteta is trying to make sure the North Londoners have a pipeline of good quality youngsters ready to be integrated into the first team when the time comes.
Nevertheless, the supporters shouldn’t buy too much into the news as the Catalan media have the tendency to over-hype players in order to expand a player’s profile. The Senegalese is certainly a talented player but only time will tell if the news is authentic or just a media-fuelled hype.
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