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7 months ago
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Arsenal have joined the clubs following Barcelona B defender Mikayil Faye ahead of a potential summer move.
Mail sport revealed last month that Manchester United, Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich have all checked on the powerful young centre half who can also play at left-back.
United scouts saw the 19-year old score a spectacular goal on his international debut for Senegal against Gabon in March and he followed up with a thunderous free-kick for Barcelona Atletic against Osasuna a week later.
He has been included in Barcelona first team squads and he is expected to get a call up before the end of the season with head coach Xavi tipping Faye to have a bright future.
'Yes, he has already played in some friendly matches,' Xavi told Spanish media. '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.'
Arsenal have joined the clubs following Barcelona B defender Mikayil Faye
Arsenal are ready to back Mikel Arteta once again this summer as they push for the Premier League title
However, Barcelona's financial constraints mean that Faye is also emerging as a viable target for rival clubs who have been keeping a close eye on his progress.
Barca believe they could make a substantial profit on the teenager they bought for just £4million from NK Kustosija last summer ahead of competition from Chelsea.
Indeed, the Spanish giants hope they could now get £25m for Faye as interest grows.
Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen are particularly keen as they consider Faye a player whose value could double swiftly should his progression continue while United and Bayern Munich want to be kept informed.
Barcelona's financial constraints mean that Faye (right) is also emerging as a viable target for rival clubs
Barcelona first-team head coach Xavi has tipped Faye to have a bright future in football
Arsenal's presence will also give Barca extra encouragement they can demand a substantial fee for a player who is contracted until 2027 and has a £344million release clause.
Arsenal are ready to back Mikel Arteta once again this summer as they push for the Premier League title. They want to improve in all areas, attack, midfield, defence and will add a goalkeeper with Newcastle target Aaron Ramsdale expected to depart.
Sporting Lisbon's Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad and Columbus Crew's Patrick Schulte are all on their watch list.
They want young, versatile players who are confident in possession and Faye fits that profile too.
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