Arsenal contact super agent over move to sign Barcelona attacker: Reports

Arsenal are reportedly accelerating their pursuit of Barcelona attacker Ansu Fati. According to Adrian Sanchez on YouTube channel Mas Que Pelotas, the Gunners have made contact with agent Jorge Mendes to explore a summer transfer. Arsenal have been linked with Fati for most of the summer.

According to AS (h/t Football-Talk.co.uk), the Spain international has decided to leave the Camp Nou this summer. He has apparently been told by manager Xavi Hernandez that he isn't a part of Barca's plans.

It remains to be seen if Arsenal can conjure an offer that pleases both the player and Barca, considering thta his contract still has four years left. The Gunners already have strong depth in attack, with Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, Eddie Nketiah and Folarin Balogun.

Arteta's side splurged £65 million to sign Kai Havertz from Chelsea, and he has been used as a No. 8. However, the Germany international is more than capable of being deployed in the frontline.

Fati, 20, showed immense promise when he broke into the first team during the 2019-20 season, but his playing time has taken a hit recently. He played 51 games last term, scoring 10 goals and providing four assists, but was used as a substitute 37 times.

Despite Ousmane Dembele's transfer to Paris Saint-Germain this summer, Fati could only manage 11 minutes in his team's goalless league draw against Getafe on August 13.

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Arsenal remain keen on Barcelona target - reports

Arsenal, as per SPORT (h/t BarcaUniversal), are still keeping a close eye on Joao Cancelo's situation at Manchester City.

The Portugal international (29) has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona on an initial loan deal. Barca and City, though, are yet to decide on a fee, with the English giants demanding a €60 million obligation-to-buy clause in his contract.

The Blaugrana are reluctant to pay that much for Cancelo, who has four years left in his contract at the Etihad. Arsenal, hence, could swoop in and make a move to sign the former Juventus full-back.

Cancelo's relationship with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City broke down last season, and he was allowed to join Bayern Munich on loan in January. It seems last season's treble winners are now permanently trying to offload the Portuguese star.

Barcelona do not have a trusted right-back in the first team, and Xavi played Ronald Araujo in that position against Getafe. Arsenal, meanwhile, have Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White and the injured Jurrien Timber as options in that position.