HITC reports that Arsenal have inquired about the availability of a Barcelona player this summer after his proposed transfer to another club faced delays. Arsenal’s activity in the summer transfer market has been limited, particularly after missing out on their top striker target, Benjamin Sesko, who chose to sign a new contract with RB Leipzig.
Arsenal have shown interest in Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee, who has a release clause of approximately £34 million in his contract. However, the latest update from HITC reveals that Arsenal have also made inquiries about Mikayil Faye from Barcelona, whose move to FC Porto has stalled.
Faye, regarded as one of Barcelona’s most promising defensive talents, is eager for first-team football, prompting Barcelona to initially consider a loan to Porto. Last season, Faye played 35 matches for Barcelona Athletic, the club’s B team, showcasing his potential as a left-sided center-back.
Faye, who is 19 and from Senegal, has drawn praise for his calm demeanor and precise timing on the pitch.
Carlos Olmo, who played with Faye in Croatia, described him as a calm and reliable player. Olmo mentioned that Faye’s ability to time his movements well and cover defensive lapses made him a valuable asset to the team.
Sources indicate that while Porto has agreed to personal terms with Faye, they are negotiating the final deal with Barcelona, who are demanding €15 million (£12 million) and a buy-back clause. This has caused a delay in the transfer, leading Arsenal to express their interest in Faye.
Arsenal are looking to strengthen their defense this summer and have also been linked with Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, among other Premier League clubs. Faye’s versatility is particularly attractive to Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, as he can play both centrally and on the left side of defense.
However, a potential hurdle in securing Faye is Barcelona’s insistence on a buy-back clause, which caused the move to Porto to stall.
This condition is also a significant obstacle for Arsenal, as they are unwilling to agree to such terms. Consequently, the chances of Arsenal successfully acquiring Faye are slim, given Barcelona’s reluctance to fully part with the defender.
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