Another Cesc Fabregas story? Arsenal to battle Borussia Dortmund for Barcelona wonderkid

Arsenal are keeping tabs on Barcelona defender Mikayil Faye ahead of a potential summer move, according to reports.

The Senegalese youth international arrived at the Camp Nou last summer for around £2million. However, Faye is yet to make a senior appearance given the conveyor belt of talent at Barca.

Experienced regulars Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen and Inigo Martinez are ahead of the 19-year-old in the pecking order. Prospect Pau Cubarsi - hailed as the club’s best ball-playing defender by Xavi - has also emerged as an option since the new year.

That has left Faye in an awkward position as he aims to force his way into the Catalans’ thinking. Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo claims Arsenal are one of several European heavyweights monitoring the situation.

Borussia Dortmund are also named - a club renowned for poaching the best European talent and developing them into world-beaters. Raiding Barcelona may evoke memories of the Arsene Wenger era to some Arsenal supporters.

The Gunners swooped in for youngsters such as Cesc Fabregas and Jon Toral while coming close to signing Gerard Deulofeu when he was at La Masia. Ligue 1 outfits Nice and Lille are also reportedly expressing interest in the defender

The article suggests Barcelona would demand around £15million for Faye - almost 10 times as much as they paid a year ago despite him never making a senior appearance. Financial struggles continue to plague Barca, with La Liga’s FFP regulations set to change this summer, only allowing clubs to spend the money they bring in.