Arsenal enquire over in-demand Barcelona star

Robin Bairner

• 1 Jun 2024 21:55 BST
• 3 min read

Arsenal are one of a number of elite teams who have asked Barcelona about the future of Mikayil Faye.

Faye has been linked with Arsenal on a regular basis in recent weeks, while Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham have also been following the 19-year-old.

Fabrizio Romano previously indicated that internal talks would take place at Barcelona over the centre-back’s future in May, although it is unclear what the outcome of these was – or even if they have taken place.#

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Reports in Spain had indicated at that point that Faye’s departure was “inevitable”.

The Daily Mail, meanwhile, says that Arsenal have enquired over the player. It is also indicated that Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen and Liverpool have all been chasing the player.

“He has already played in some friendly matches,” Xavi, Barcelona’s former head coach, explained earlier in the season. “He is a capable footballer, he is aggressive, he is fast, he can get the ball out well. He could help us at some point. He has the level, without a doubt.”

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Despite Xavi’s praise, he has yet to feature for the first team, instead turning out regularly for Barcelona B.

Playing in the third tier of Spanish football, Faye featured on 33 occasions this season, scoring four goals in the process.

Although he featured primarily in the heart of the defence, he did on occasion play left-back.

Zubimendi sends Gunners decisive message

Martin Zubimendi has no interest in joining Arsenal, a report from Sport has reiterated.

The Real Sociedad player has been followed by the Gunners for several months but it was claimed last week that he would only leave his present employers to join either Real Madrid or Barcelona.

Although Mikel Arteta’s side had earmarked him to bolster their midfield, it appears that they will have to look at other options.