Newcastle United are considering making a loan move for Arsenal target Ansu Fati in the summer as Barcelona ponder his future.
According to Give Me Sport, Ansu Fati has emerged as a target for Newcastle United. Eddie Howe could consider a loan move for the out-of-form Barcelona star. But the Blaugrana could demand a significant sum, and the Arsenal target poses somewhat of a risk investment in the current climate.
Ansu Fati was meant to make a great career in Barcelona and was touted as Lionel Messi’s potential heir at the club. Despite early promise, the attacker has seen his progress stalled by persistent injuries and continues to make his way back up to the top.
He has made a concerted effort to maintain fitness levels and regain some of his old form. Yet, Xavi Hernandez does not seem to trust the winger in his plans as Barcelona ponder making a firm decision on his future. A sale in the summer window could become a possibility.
A host of Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, are interested in taking the winger off Barcelona’s hands. With their ongoing financial struggles, the Blaugrana could consider selling some of their valued stars to balance their books. However, how much they would get for Fati remains the question.
Barcelona reportedly want at least £90 million for the Arsenal target. The Gunners are unlikely to pay such figures for a player only coming back into the fore after a series of injury troubles. Mikel Arteta seems to admire the attacker and might need a similar profile but may look elsewhere.
While playing with Arsenal might appeal to any player right now, Fati could have other suitors waiting in line. Newcastle United are reportedly keen on the attacker and could become an option if they finish in the top four.
Eddie Howe has built a terrific squad in the last few windows to make Newcastle challengers. They have already featured in the Carabao Cup final and remain one of the favourites to finish in the top four. The manager seeks to revamp his attacking setup with the wide areas considered important.
Allan Saint-Maximin could depart for a new challenge, while there are doubts about Miguel Almiron. Howe already has a few names on his shortlist, including Harvey Barnes, Moussa Diaby and James Maddison. A new striker could also come in, meaning the manager is planning for wholesale changes to his front line.
Fati could also look to make an impression in this progressive team. Newcastle United will not overpay; the report suggests they are only considering a loan move. Howe would want to take the player temporarily and possibly gauge what he’s made of.
It seems that Newcastle United do not want to take an unwanted risk with a player mired in injury problems in the last two years. The Magpies could agree to a future fee with Barcelona and add an option to buy in any potential deal.
The Blaugrana will want a good fee in the next window rather than sending a valued asset on loan. Such a move could go two ways, as Fati could have a good season or regress further. Hence, Barcelona would want a fee now for the Arsenal target and may rebuff any loan approaches from Newcastle or others.