Man Utd handed boost as Xavi drops hint on frustrated Barcelona star who is available at cut-price
Barcelona are expected to be busy in the summer and they could slash their asking price for a player Manchester United have been linked with.
The Catalan club recently wrapped up the La Liga title. However, not everything is running quite as smoothly off the pitch.
Barcelona must continue to cut down their wage bill to ease the financial situation at the club.
With Barcelona also contemplating a Lionel Messi return, Xavi must act promptly in shifting some of their stars off the wage bill.
Sergio Busquets’ departure has already been confirmed and several other first-team players could soon follow him out the door.
Ansu Fati has been a player of interest for several Premier League sides. The likes of Man Utd, Arsenal and Tottenham have each held an interest in the winger at some stage.
Xavi has recently discussed the future of the 20-year-old, who could leave the club in the near future.
“I haven’t spoken to him about his future. We don’t know the fair play situation. When we know, we’ll plan the arrivals and departures,” Xavi told Sport.
Fati has had a frustrating time at Barcelona of late. Since returning from a long-term injury he has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter.
Having started in just 11 league matches this season, a departure this summer could well be on the cards.
Barcelona slash asking price
As if often the case in La Liga, Fati has an astonishing high release clause. Currently set at €170m, sides from around Europe aren’t likely to go anywhere near those kinds of figures.
Despite his injury woes, this would be an enticing price for plenty of clubs to consider. Especially as he is still just 20 years old.
In La Liga this year he has averaged a goal contribution every 182 minutes which isn’t bad going.
Fati has cut a frustrated figure by all accounts as he has had to play second fiddle to the likes of Raphinha and Ousmane Dembele.
Arsenal’s interest in the Spanish talent also makes sense. Mikel Arteta has often invested in younger stars and a deal for Fati would follow along with this strategy.
Reports have claimed that the Gunners have been offered the chance to sign Fati, which could spark Man Utd’s interest back into life.
With Man Utd confirming Champions League football for next season, Erik ten Hag will be keen to add to his attacking options.
A striker remains the priority for Man Utd in the summer window, but an added creative outlet would also be welcomed.
Indeed, they have been linked with a blockbuster move for PSG star Neymar. Although perhaps a move for Fati would be more financially viable for the club.
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