Arsenal 'make contact' with Ansu Fati's agent as Barcelona boss Xavi issues transfer warning

Arsenal have made contact with Ansu Fati's agent over the possibility of a move to the Emirates, according to reports.

The Gunners have already signed Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice this summer, but it is thought Mikel Arteta is keen to add an attacking player to his ranks before the transfer deadline slams shut.

And it seems the north Londoners have reignited their pursuit of Fati, having previously expressed an interest in the winger last season.

That's according to Spanish journalist Adrian Sanchez, who claimed on his YouTube channel that Arsenal have opened talks to sign the 20-year-old.

Sanchez explained that the Gunners have contacted super-agent Jorge Mendes to understand what is required to land Fati's signature.

However, Barcelona boss Xavi has no plans to sell the Spaniard any time soon, insisting he is "the club's heritage".

When answering a question about rumours linking Fati with a move to arch rivals Real Madrid, Xavi told reporters (quotes via Fabrizio Romano): “Ansu Fati to Real Madrid? It's a joke, right?

“I already said that Ansu is the club's heritage. He is an important player and he will continue to be so. He's present and future”.

Only time will tell whether Fati will heed his manager's warning or take up a new challenge, but for the time being, he remains an integral part of the Catalan giants' plans as they look to win back-to-back La Liga titles.

Speaking at the start of last season, Xavi even described him as "sensational" following Barca's opening day 1-0 victory.

"Ansu has been very good, I have seen him at 100%, these two weeks have dome him very well, he has been extraordinary in training," said Xavi (quotes via GOAL)

"Ansu has proposed to be important, and I'm convinced that he will be."

However, Fati struggled to get a regular run in the team last season and was used as a substitute in the last two El Classico matches, meaning he may be keen to play more regularly elsewhere.

Topics: Arsenal, Transfers, Barcelona, Xavi, Mikel Arteta, Football, Premier League, La Liga, Ansu Fati

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno