Ansu teases Man Utd and Arsenal with Barcelona statement

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 2 Apr 2023 09:28 BST
• 3 min read

Ansu Fati has shown Premier League sides Manchester United and Arsenal what they would get should he sign for them in the summer – but he equally sent a message to Barcelona that he wants his future to remain at Camp Nou.

Ansu has had a difficult season at Camp Nou, which culminated in his father making a statement this week to the effect that the 20-year-old is unhappy with his lack of playing time at the club.

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It quickly emerged that Bori Fati’s comments were unsolicited by Ansu and that the player simply wants to focus on his football for the moment, yet there is no doubt that there are questions hanging over the La Masia graduate.

He may have played 25 times in La Liga this season and 39 times overall, but Ansu has only just tipped the 1000 minute-mark in the Primera Division, highlighting that fact that he is something of a luxury substitute for a team with financial difficulties.

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Given that backdrop, there is always the possibility that the player once dubbed the heir to Lionel Messi and the bearer of the Argentine’s famous No.10 shirt, could be sold should a significant offer arrive – whether Ansu likes it or not.

But neither Arsenal nor Man Utd would appear attractive to the attacker, who is set about making a statement for his Barcelona future by netting Barca’s second in a 4-0 win over Elche.

Ansu's brilliant Elche goal

It was a spectacular goal and one that will doubtless have fans of his Premier League suitors drooling.

Gathering possession 10 yards inside his own half after 55 minutes, he charged forward unchallenged before dispatching a fine shot into the bottom corner of the net from the edge of the box.

Ansu’s fourth goal of the season highlighted his likeness to Messi thanks to the directness in his running and the clinical nature of his finish.

It was a moment that underscored his worth as a Barcelona player while his celebration highlighted his joy at being at the club. Now it is down to Barca to ensure they can keep him away from the Premier League.