Man Utd, Arsenal both call Jorge Mendes with incredible Barcelona transfer taking shape
Barcelona may be forced into selling many of their most prized assets and Man Utd and Arsenal have both taken the first step towards a blockbuster transfer by calling a player’s agent, per a report.
The Spanish giant’s financial strife has been well documented in recent years. Barcelona have pulled many a ‘financial lever’ and sold off a sizeable chunk of their broadcasting rights to ensure they’ve stayed afloat.
However, Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo report LaLiga president, Javier Tebas, has once again laid down the law and instructed Barcelona to slash their wage bill by a whopping €200m.
Club stalwarts Sergio Busquets, Sergi Roberto and Jordi Alba could all make way at season’s end. However, to truly make a dent in the shortfall, the club may be forced into a difficult decision or two on players they’d much rather keep.
Two in particular are named in the piece – Frenkie de Jong and Ansu Fati.
The latter, 20, has fallen foul of Xavi’s formation change of late that now sees the Barca legend favour a four-man midfield.
Fati has generally been limited to cameos off the bench this season and England’s big-hitters are beginning to sense an opportunity.
Sunday’s Transfer Gossip revealed north London pair Arsenal and Tottenham are taking note.
Man Utd, meanwhile were namechecked by Spanish outlet Sport who described Fati’s potential exit as a ‘perfect storm’ for the English sides.
Now, La Vanguardia have doubled down on the previous claim Tottenham and Arsenal are in the mix. However, there’s an even more intriguing update from Cadena COPE.
Man Utd, Arsenal contact Fati’s agent
The Spanish publication categorically state both Man Utd and Arsenal have ‘called Jorge Mendes, Ansu Fati’s agent, to ask him about the footballer’s situation’.
They acknowledge offers are yet to be made, though given we’re four months away from the summer window, that should not be a surprise.
It’s reiterated Fati is fearing for his place at the Camp Nou amid Xavi’s switch from a three-man midfield to a four-man.
The end result has seen a forward cut from the starting eleven and with the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Ferran Torres and Ousmane Dembele in situ, Fati faces an uphill struggle to feature.
For their part, Barcelona do not wish to lose a player who has all the tools to become a club legend down the line. However, finances may dictate and the player is reportedly ‘crying out for more prominence’.
Fati operates primarily on the left wing, meaning he’d likely face many of the issues he’s facing at Barcelona at any of his English suitors.
Marcus Rashford fills the left wing role at United, while he’d have to contend with Son Heung-min at Spurs.
Gabriel Martinelli is Mikel Arteta’s go-to man at the Emirates. Arsenal have also just bought Leandro Trossard to compete with the Brazilian.
In any case, the chance to sign a player of Fati’s sky high potential does not come around every day. Man Utd and Arsenal appear to be leading the race at present after contacting Jorge Mendes, though any such transfer is clearly still in its infancy as yet.
