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Arsenal 'make contact over move for £17m-rated Barcelona man'

Arsenal 'make contact over move for £17m-rated Barcelona man'
© Reuters
Arsenal reportedly enquire about the availability of Barcelona's highly-rated defender Mikayil Faye.

Arsenal have reportedly enquired about highly-rated Barcelona defender Mikayil Faye.

The 19-year-old spent the 2023-24 campaign with Barcelona's 'B' team following his arrival from Croatian side NK Kustosija Zagreb last summer.

Faye enjoyed regular game time for Rafael Marquez's side, featuring in 33 matches in the third tier of the Spanish football league system.

The defender helped Barcelona's 'B' side finish in third position in Group 1, setting up a playoff semi-final tie against Ibiza.

Although he is yet to make a first-team appearance, Faye is already being linked with a move away from the Catalan giants.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta pictured on April 23, 2024© Reuters

Arsenal enquire over Faye move

The Barcelona youngster is attracting interest from a host of European clubs, including Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen.

Arsenal are keen to steal a march on their rivals, with the Daily Mail reporting that the Gunners have made an enquiry about Faye's availability.

The report suggests that Barcelona will demand at least £17m to even consider parting ways with the Senegalese defender.

Arsenal seemingly view Faye as someone who could add strength in depth to their current central defensive options of William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber.

As a left-footed defender, the teenager could also provide Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta with an alternative option at left-back.

Germany coach Hansi Flick before the match on September 9, 2023© Reuters

Will Barcelona part ways with Faye?

With Faye attracting significant interest, Barcelona could look to take advantage of a potential bidding war to help improve their financial situation.

However, they will be reluctant to part ways with the prospect and may look to offload other squad members before they consider selling the Senegal international.

Newly-appointed Barcelona boss Hansi Flick is likely to lean heavily on some of Barcelona's youngsters, including the likes of Pau Cubarsi, Lamine Yamal, Gavi, Pedri and Hector Fort.

While Faye may be behind those players in the pecking order, he is expected to step up to the first team if Barcelona decide against a summer sale.

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Written by
Ben Sully

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Germany coach Hansi Flick before the match on September 9, 2023
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