Report: Arsenal Poised to ‘Hijack’ €15m Deal for Barcelona Prospect

Arsenal is reportedly making a bold attempt to hijack Barcelona’s negotiations with FC Porto over highly-rated young defender Mika Faye.

This move aligns with Mikel Arteta’s strategic plan to strengthen the squad, despite a cautious start to the transfer window due to financial constraints.

Arsenal’s initial silence in the transfer market has been noticeable.

With financial limits currently exhausted, the club has adopted a patient approach, waiting for the opportune moment to make their moves.

According to HITC, Arsenal has already made an enquiry to Barcelona regarding Mika Faye, signaling their intent to join the race for the talented Senegalese defender.

Introducing Mika Faye

Mika Faye, who joined Barcelona last summer from Croatian side Kustosija, has quickly risen as one of the club’s brightest defensive prospects.

The 19-year-old has impressed during his 33 appearances for Barcelona’s Atletic team.

Faye’s versatility as a left-sided defender makes him an attractive option for Arsenal, especially as they seek to add depth and flexibility to their backline.

Complications in the Deal

Despite the potential benefits, the deal has its complications.

Faye is already in advanced negotiations with FC Porto, and personal terms have reportedly been agreed upon.

However, Barcelona’s demands have stalled the transfer.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona is asking for a fee of around €15 million, including a sell-on percentage and a future buy-back clause.

This buy-back clause could be a significant hurdle for Arsenal, as they prefer full control over the player’s future.

Barcelona’s financial woes are well-known, and the sale of Faye could provide much-needed relief.

However, the club is keen not to sever ties with the defender completely, hence the insistence on a buy-back clause.

Deco, Barcelona’s sporting director, was recently spotted in Porto, sparking speculation that he was there to finalize the deal.

However, Deco dismissed these rumours, stating he was in Porto for family reasons.

Arsenal’s Transfer Strategy

Arteta’s transfer strategy appears to be a blend of caution and opportunism.

By targeting young talents like Faye, Arsenal aims to build a squad that can compete at the highest level in the long term.

This approach aligns with the club’s philosophy of developing young players and integrating them into the first team.

The interest in Faye also highlights Arsenal’s focus on strengthening their defence, an area identified as needing reinforcement.