According to Nice-Matin (h/t SPORT), Barcelona are close to completing their first sale of the summer transfer market.
Ansu Fati could soon become an AS Monaco player on a permanent basis for €11 million, with the French club expected to activate the purchase option that remains valid until the end of June.
Deal in final stages
Monaco had already made their intentions of watnting to keep Fati at the club clear, but first needed to reach an agreement with the player regarding salary terms for the coming years.
The Ligue 1 giants were also hoping that Ansu would agree to reduce his current wages in order to make the operation financially viable.
Ansu Fati, AS Monaco player
Ansu set to join Monaco permanently. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Now, according to the report, negotiations are at a very advanced stage and the final agreement could be formalised within the coming days.
Successful loan spell for Ansu
Ansu joined Monaco on loan last summer after failing to secure opportunities at Barcelona.
Both the sporting department and Hansi Flick opened the door for his departure following a year spent almost entirely on the margins of the squad.
The forward approached his second loan spell, having previously spent time at Brighton, with the hope of relaunching his career. And he has succeeded in doing exactly that.
Ansu found what a good environment, regained his physical sharpness and established himself as one of the most decisive forwards in Ligue 1, finishing with 12 goals in 30 games.
Financial relief for Barcelona
Ansu Fati, Barcelona player
No return to Barcelona. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
While Ansu had hoped for a return to Barcelona, there was never really a way back for the Spaniard, even more so now that the club have signed Anthony Gordon. So, he is now close to agreeing a deal with Monaco.
For Barcelona, this operation is considered one of the most important regarding the club’s salary limit situation.
The €11 million transfer fee would represent pure profit for the Catalan club and, in addition, would generate approximately €12 million in salary savings. That reduction is viewed internally as extremely important for the registration of players ahead of next season.