Arsenal's chances of landing £25m-rated La Liga wonderkid revealed amid Man Utd interest

Arsenal look to have learned their chances of securing the rising Senegalese star Mikayil Faye, amid growing interest from at ‘ten or more clubs’. The 19-year-old has been part of Barcelona’s B-side since 2023, joining from the Croatian club NK Kustosija, and it is unclear whether he will be able to get a clear run in the senior Camp Nou side or if this summer will see his him move on to a new club.

Football transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has reported that, although we’ve seen the Senegalese international linked with both Arsenal and Manchester United, it is a bit early to be pin-pointing exactly where he could be headed this summer with so many clubs having been linked with a move for the defender. Tutto Juve also suggested Juventus are eyeing up a move for Faye while Mundo Deportivo have linked both United and Liverpool.

With the likes of Gabriel and William Saliba as the dominant forces of a strong Gunners defence, it seems unlikely Mikel Arteta would prioritise signing Faye. Manchester United, however, could soon be looking to replace the 31-year-old defenders Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire and injuries to Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw this season have already hampered selection concerns.

Speaking to CaughtOffSide in his Daily Briefing column, Romano said: “There are several clubs interested in young Barcelona defender Mikayil Faye, and it’s a player they will have to make a decision on this summer.

“It’s too early to mention specific clubs pursuing him - there are ten or more clubs in the media recently, such as Arsenal and Manchester United, but I can guarantee it’s not something concrete or advanced yet. Still, I expect there to be movement soon.

“Barcelona have a decision to make on this one - if they want to play and trust Faye, or take the opportunity to make on this one - if they want to play and trust Faye, or take the opportunity to make profit from his sale.”

A product of the Diambars FC Academy in Senegal, the 19-year-old Faye made his senior international debut earlier this year in a friendly match against Gabon, in which he scored one of Senegal’s three goals. Barcelona have previously rejected offers of £13 million, with both OGC Nice and Lens bidding in January, as they had planned for him to continues his career progression at Camp Nou.

However, as interest continues to gather from the top sides in both the Premier League and Serie A, it remains to be seen whether the Catalan Giants will wish to hold on to the wonderkid, or look to secure the £25 million they have asked clubs to cough up for his signature.