Arsenal, Man United among ‘elite’ teams interested in 19-year-old Barcelona whizkid

Even though he is yet to make his first-team debut for FC Barcelona, teenage defender Mikayil Faye is one of the hottest commodities in the transfer market heading into the summer.

Just 19 years old, Faye joined Barcelona from NK Kustosija in the summer of last year. Ever since, he has been a permanent fixture in defence for Barça Atletic, the reserve team, under Rafa Marquez.

Faye has also been a regular in first-team training sessions under Xavi and has been named in the matchday squad for a couple of games in recent weeks.

With the youngster even starring for the Senegalese national team on his debut last month, clubs have begun to take note.

A host of elite clubs chasing Faye

Indeed, as per Mundo Deportivo, Arsenal have entered the race to sign Mikayil Faye in the summer, joining other big clubs like Manchester United, Juventus, and Inter Milan.

It must be remembered that Faye was already attracting interest from clubs in January, with Barcelona having had to turn down offers from RC Lens and OGC Nice in Ligue 1.

Man in demand. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Now, the list of admirers for the 19-year-old is just growing. It has already been reported that the likes of Bayern Munich and Chelsea have an interest in the teenager.

Meanwhile, Manchester United are also considering making an offer for Faye while clubs like Inter, Juventus, and Bayer Leverkusen are also tracking him.

Now, Arsenal, too, appear to have joined the horde of teams interested in the Barcelona whizkid.

Faye would be open to offers

Faye’s dream has been to break into the first-team setup at Barcelona, like Pau Cubarsi, who was his defensive partner at Barça Atletic only a few months ago.

However, given the plethora of options in the centre-back department, the 19-year-old is aware that his pathway to first-team football at the Catalan club is not easy.

As such, he is not ruling the possibility of leaving Barcelona in the summer if it becomes apparent that he does not have a place in the senior setup next season.