Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are reportedly looking to hijack FC Porto’s move for Barcelona defensive sensation Mikayil Faye.
According to a report from Graeme Bailey on HITC, Arsenal have enquired about Mikayil Faye as they look to reinforce their defence in the summer transfer window. The Barcelona centre-back’s move to FC Porto has stalled, and the Gunners are looking to hijack the deal.
The Catalan giants acquired Faye’s services last summer from NK Kustosija. He was a part of Barcelona Athletic for the 2023/24 campaign. The 19-year-old centre-back had an impressive start to life at the Spanish club as he featured in 35 matches for their B team.
Faye’s move to FC Porto hits a roadblock
Faye’s consistent performances for Barcelona Atletic suggest he has a bright future ahead. The Senegalese international is keen on playing first-team football next season, and as a result, Barcelona were ready to let him join FC Porto.
The Portuguese outfit had agreed terms with the player. But they have not been able to strike a deal with Barcelona looking for €15 million plus a buy-back clause of similar worth. The talks over a potential transfer have stalled, and Arsenal look set to try and hijack the deal.
The Gunners plot a hijack
Mikel Arteta is keen on reinforcing his squad as he prepares to once again push for the Premier League title. He wants to add another centre-back to his squad. While they are interested in Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, there is no shortage of interest in him and signing him won’t be easy.
The Gunners are also interested in Faye, and they have knocked on Barcelona’s door to learn more about a potential transfer to North London. Given the kind of potential the teenager has, he can be a great signing in the long run.
While Arsenal are interested in his services, the chances of the deal going through are minimal. The English club do not really entertain a buy-back clause in any transfer, and Barcelona insist on having one as they do not want to cut ties with the Senegalese defender completely. As a result, it will be interesting to see if there is any further development from Arsenal’s end.
