08 August 2023 , 11:34
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Barcelona are believed to have warned Arsenal that Ansu Fati is not for sale after the Gunners approached the LaLiga titans regarding a possible transfer.
The 20-year-old was tipped for greatness when he enjoyed a breakout 2019-20 season but has since suffered two injury-hit campaigns and was predominantly used as a substitute last term, with more than half of his league outings coming off the bench. Those running the show at the Emirates clearly think a star remains somewhere in Fati, but unfortunately for the Gunners - so do those at the Camp Nou.
Fati's lack of league starts initially sparked speculation that the 20-year-old could be heading for the exit, given the Spain international is at a crucial stage of his development and needs to play as much football as possible. French titans Paris Saint-Germain were also linked with a move for the forward, but soon shifted their attention elsewhere.
Jorge Mendes, former agent of Cristiano Ronaldo, considers Fati one of his clients and even proposed the idea of the youngster joining Wolves as part of a swap deal for Ruben Neves. While it didn't materialise, Fati was thought to be furious with the fact that his club even entertained the idea.
Though the offer the Gunners put forward was deemed 'very tempting' by Fati, as per Sport, it was rejected and Arsenal look set to miss out on a player tipped to win the Ballon d'Or one day by a man who has already had one of his clients win five of them in Mendes.
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Speaking to Jijantes FC, Mendes claimed: "Ansu wants to stay. He has scored three goals in his last games. He is one of the best young players in the world. One day he will win the Ballon d’Or."
HAVE YOUR SAY! Is Fati a future Ballon d'Or winner? Comment below
Ansu Fati was the subject of an approach from Arsenal (Getty Images)For all of the hype surrounding Fati which will no doubt continue amid Arsenal's interest, recent comments from his manager Xavi will certainly keep his feet on the ground if nothing else as the Barca boss has made sure to make clear the 20-year-old is by no means a guaranteed starter.
"He has to have continuity in training as well as in matches, and from there we will decide," the Spaniard explained.
Pressed for comment on whether Fati will earn more minutes next term now that he's staying, Xavi added: "I can’t guarantee it to anyone. I mean, I can’t promise. When I go to sign a footballer I can’t say that, that you’re going to play forever.
"I tell them that you are going to compete, you are going to compete with this guy, with this guy and with this guy. This is Barcelona. This is not a charity."