The Premier League is the only possible destination for Barcelona’s Ansu Fati amid reports linking the Spain international with Arsenal and Liverpool, according to Sport.
When the La Masia graduate inherited Lionel Messi’s iconic number 10 shirt a couple of seasons back, this was not how Fati would have imagined his Barcelona career progressing.
In all competitions this term, the 20-year-old whizzkid has started just 11 games. Just nine of those have come in La Liga. A seemingly never-ending series of injuries mean Fati – arguably the most exciting Barcelona youngster since that aforementioned Argentine – seems incapable of stringing together a series of performances, especially now that Raphinha, Ousmane Dembele and Ferran Torres are providing serious competition for a place in the first XI.
Head coach Xavi, meanwhile, often prefers to drop one of his attackers in favour of another midfielder in high-pressure encounters. Thus, further limiting his opportunities.
Liverpool and Arsenal like Barcelona’s Ansu Fati
Fabrizio Romano believes that Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United are testing the waters; The Gunners reportedly holding initial talks with Fati’s representatives. Some point to a potential £90 million price-tag. Though Sport believe an offer closer to £50 million may be enough to twist Barca’s arm.
Fati has missed no fewer than 86 games through injury since the start of 2019/20 (Transfermarkt).
“We can’t rule out the sale of an attacking player in the summer,” Barcelona president Joan Laporta admits. “When Memphis Depay left us (for Atletico Madrid), we could have signed a forward.
“But the economic reality is very difficult, and we can’t rule out the sale of an attacker.”
Fati has made no secret of his desire to stay and fight for his place. A lack of regular game time is becoming a growing cause for consternation, however, with Barca fully aware than his agent – the influential Jorge Mendes – is now weighing up the possibility of a summer departure.
Sport believe that, if Fati does leave, the Premier League is his only realistic destination. Clubs in Italy and Germany are spending eye-watering sums for an outrageously-gifted but injury-prone attacker. Barca will also not risk letting Fati go to a direct La Liga rival.
“Ansu has been very good,” Xavi said back in October. “He has been extraordinary in training. Ansu has shown himself to be important, and I’m convinced that he will (still) be.”
Since then, however, his minutes have only diminished further.
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