Arsenal join Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund in race for £17m-rated teenager

Arsenal are set for a busy summer of transfer activity as Mikel Arteta seeks to bolster his striking and defensive departments. While it had been believed that the Gunners attentions were turned towards Ousmane Diomande, it now appears that the Emirates club are igniting interest in the Barcelona youngster Mikayil Faye.

According to reports from Calciomercato, Arteta’s team have joined Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund and Juventus in the race for the signature of the rising star who has impressed Europe with his technical and physical attributes. It is believed that Barcelona would be seeking a fee of between £12-17 million for their Senegalese 19-year-old.

A product of the Diambars FC Academy, Faye joined Barcelona’s B team in 2023. He has previously been with NK Kustosija in the Croatian second-tiered league, Prva NL. The 19-year-old featured in the Senegalese U17 squad before making his senior debut in March this year in a friendly match against Gabon.

Faye is yet to make his first senior appearance for Xavi Hernandez’ squad but has already caught the eye of several of Barcelona’s European competitors.

While Arsenal don’t have a strong need for another centre-back, and it appears unlikely Faye would push either William Saliba or Gabriel out of the starting XI, the Gunners may have a longer plan in mind for the 19-year-old. Faye is known for excellent distribution skills and does not shy away from engaging in tackles, but has been sent off twice for Barca Athletic due to some rash challenges.

With Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund and the Serie A pairing of Juventus and Inter Milan reportedly interested, Edu would need to make early contact with the player and his representatives if the Emirates club are serious about prizing him away from Camp Nou.