Arsenal contact agent of Lionel Messi successor as Gunners plot key summer deal

Arsenal have contacted the agent of Barcelona star Ansu Fati ahead of a potential summer move, according to reports from Spain.

Fati recovered from a series of injuries ahead of this season, including a serious knee injury suffered in 2020 that resulted in a 10-month layoff.

But regular game time has been difficult for the 20-year-old, who took the number 10 shirt worn by Lionel Messi before his 2021 departure to PSG. He has started just seven games in La Liga, and has made one start in the Champions League.

According to Spanish outlet Sport, Fati would have expected to have played more this season. But he has found himself behind Ousmane Dembele in the pecking order, with Barca boss Xavi electing to play two forwards on a regular basis.

Even in Dembele's recent injury absence, Xavi has preferred Raphinha to start in an advanced role, and he brought Fati on for an 11-minute cameo in Barca's 3-0 win over Sevilla on Sunday.

Fabrizio Romano, meanwhile, has claimed that Manchester United have 'excellent links' to Fati's agent, although no talks have taken place between the two clubs, or agents, at the moment.

Now, it appears that Arsenal have entered the race to sign the Spain international.

Arsenal 'contact agent of Barcelona star Fati'

According to Helena Condis, of Spanish outlet Cadena COPE, Arsenal have contacted Jorge Mendes, the agent of Fati, to enquire about whether the forward may be available to sign this summer.

However, like United, the Gunners have not made any formal offer at this stage. Fati is said to be concerned about his status within the squad, given Xavi's change of system this season.

However, Barcelona do not want to sell the forward, and he has a contract until the summer of 2027 which will likely make negotiations difficult.

Arsenal added to their forward line in January, bringing in Leandro Trossard from Brighton. The Belgian international has made three appearances for the Gunners thus far, including a nine-minute cameo in which he played a key role in the build-up to Eddie Nketiah's winning goal in a 3-2 win over Manchester United last month.