Arsenal are in the running for a swoop on Barcelona defender Mikayil Faye. The Gunners have yet to get going in the summer window after they missed out on Benjamin Sesko, who has decided to stay at RB Leipzig and sign a new long-term contract. Mikel Arteta’s motivating factor is reinforcing his squad since they are going to rival Manchester City for the title once more.
This, although a new centre forward is understood to be the priority target area for the Gunners. They did, however, scout other positions to strengthen at the back. Ajax’s Jorrel Hato, Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, and Nottingham Forest’s Murillo have been mooted as potential defensive options.
Now, HITC have reported that Arsenal have enquired about Faye’s availability after his move to Porto hit a brick wall. The 19-year-old is considering one of the hottest prospects at Barcelona, but he is keen for first-team football having failed to make a senior appearance since his move from Kustosija last June.
Notably, Faye has indeed featured regularly in the second-tier Barcelona B setup and turned out 33 times in the third tier of Spanish football in the current campaign. Porto have agreed terms to sign Faye but are still trying to hammer out a deal, with Barcelona wanting €15million (£12m) plus a buy-back clause.
This had meant his proposed move to Portugal has stalled, and Arsenal have since come in for the centre-back – with the Gunners looking to add at least one new defender to their ranks this summer. It’s understood Arsenal have been tracking Faye for a ‘long time’ and his ability to play anywhere across the back four has appealed those in north London.
One stumbling block that could well materialize in any deal would be Barcelona’s demand to insist on a buy-back clause for the defender. This is said to be a non-starter for Arsenal if they explore a possible move. This would probably mean that the chances of the Gunners landing Faye this summer are remote.