Arsenal have reportedly joined the likes of Manchester United in the race to sign FC Barcelona defender Mika Faye, who could leave this summer.
The 19-year-old wonderkid is regarded as one of the most exciting prospects currently plying their trade with the Catalan giants, with Faye recently called up into Xavi Hernandez’s senior squad.
Lauded by Fabrizio Romano as a ‘big talent’, the Senegalese defender has all the tools needed to become a modern-day superstar if given the chance, and Arsenal could now be a potential destination.
Arsenal to rival Manchester United for Barcelona talent Mika Faye
According to the Daily Mail, the Gunners, as well as United and Bayern Munich, are all interested in signing Faye, who this summer could leave with Barcelona desperate to raise funds.
As per the report, the reigning La Liga champions could demand as much as £25m for the teenager with Barcelona’s financial situation still as dire as it has been in recent years.
Indeed, with Arsenal in need of an extra centre-back and one who is on the younger side, Faye as a summer signing would make a lot of sense for the Gunners.
However, at £25m and zero professional experience, signing Faye could be a risk, especially if Arsenal have the money to go all out on a defender who could one day become a starter under Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal need to keep their options open this summer
There’s no denying that Faye is an exciting prospect, with Barcelona clearly big fans of the defender with Arsenal, Bayern and United all chasing the 19-year-old.
Yet for what the north London side are looking for, Faye might be a poor summer signing, mainly due to how little the defender has actually played in his career.
Indeed, there are more options out there in the market that could be more suited to Arsenal, and Arteta and his team need to keep their mind open in regards to signing a new young defender.