According to Mundo Deportivo, Premier League side Arsenal are trying to sign Barcelona’s young defender Mikayil Faye.
Faye joined the Barcelona Atletic side last summer from NK Kustosija but after just one season, the Catalans might be forced to part ways with the 19-year-old prodigy.
His contract runs out till 2027 and has a buy-out clause of €400 million but as per the rumours, Barcelona are valuing the central defender at around €20 million with a summer exit highly likely.
How will the Barcelona defender be useful to Mikel Arteta?
Gabriel and William Saliba have been rock-solid in Arsenal’s defence this season but apart from these two, the Gunners lack quality in that department which is why Arteta wants to add depth during the summer transfer window. They have signed Jurrien Timber but he hardly played this season.
Also, Saliba has been linked with teams like Real Madrid while Gabriel is already 26 years old which is why the Arsenal manager is looking for long-term replacements as well.
Faye is just 19 years old so even if he joins Arsenal in the summer, there’s no way he will get to play regularly next season. However, he’s a highly-rated talent and under the right guidance, the Senegalese international can become a future superstar.
Signing a new central defender is not a priority for Mikel Arteta but with Mikayil Faye, the Premier League side will be investing in the future. One of Gabriel and Saliba will be heading for the exit doors in one or maybe two seasons and the Barcelona youngster can slot into one of their boots.
Should Barca hold onto Mikayil Faye?
Barcelona need to generate at least €100 million this summer so that they can sign their targets and also avoid any FFP breaches. And €20-odd million for Faye will go a long way in helping them balance their books.
The defender’s current market value is only €5 million but he still has three more years remaining in his deal and Arsenal will be more than willing to spend €20-25 million to sign him up.
Hansi Flick already has great defenders like Araujo, Christensen and Jules Kounde so the new manager can afford to cash in on Mikayil Faye and reuse the money to probably sign a new midfielder for the upcoming seasons. Barcelona are also ready to listen to offers for Ronald Araujo such is their need for finances so there’s no way a 19-year-old defender like Mikayil Faye is safe.
