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Chelsea have made a shock move by plotting a bid for Barcelona star Ansu Fati, as revealed by journalist Helena Condis (via BarcaTimes on X). AS Monaco are also believed to be in advanced negotiations to capture the 22-year-old, who is expected to depart the Catalan giants this summer.
The Spanish forward has found it difficult to gain a spot in the team under manager Hansi Flick at Barca, with only three starts since the beginning of the campaign. Fati's limited minutes on the pitch, combined with his hefty salary of over €14 million gross, have seen Barca plan to sell him to relieve pressure.
Monaco have been reported to be in negotiations with a 2026 option-to-buy in their loan offer, a transfer that appears beneficial to both clubs (via MotorcycleSports). Fati is said to be willing to make the switch, an opportunity which will allow him to feature in the Champions League next season.
Now, Chelsea's interest has added a curveball to the entire situation. The Premier League club's bid could give Fati an opportunity to re-launch his career in England after a previous loan stint at Brighton & Hove Albion. His choice will greatly depend on the assurance of playing time on a regular basis and the opportunity to regain his form at the top level.
Barcelona will make a final decision in the weeks ahead, with Fati's exit potentially freeing up the legendary number 10 shirt for young talent Lamine Yamal.
Ethan Nwaneri linked to Chelsea, Barcelona, other clubs
Ethan Nwaneri's Arsenal future remains in limbo after the 18-year-old's refusal to agree on an extension of his existing contract. Now, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Barcelona are reportedly waiting in the wings (via The Hard Tackle).
He has had an exciting season where he scored nine goals from 37 matches across all tournaments. However, Nwaneri and his agents are said to be concerned about his near future at the Emirates, especially with the Gunners' plans to sign more forwards in the off-season.
Arsenal had been counting on Nwaneri's long-term future based on his stunning displays. However, he has not had enough playing time in recent seasons, with just one start in their last six Premier League games. This shortage of playing time and the ambitions of the club in the transfer market have raised a question mark.
Nwaneri's current deal, which he signed in 2023, runs out next summer, and naturally, he is one of the European club's top targets. Arsenal still think that they can retain Nwaneri, and all their efforts will be directed to securing a new contract. However, Chelsea, Barcelona, and other interested clubs will continue to monitor his situation in London.
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Nnanna Mba
Nnanna is a European and international football journalist who has been covering news and transfer rumors at Sportskeeda for around 5 years. A keen interest in reading and football since an early age, watching games at local stadiums with family paved the way for him to take up the sport professionally.
Nnanna’s favorite club is English team Bolton Wanderers because he witnessed Nigeria legend Jay-Jay Okocha's play for them between 2002 and 2006. His favorite footballer is Ronaldinho due to the Brazilian's love for the sport and admires Pep Guardiola for redefining football tactics. As a former literature student, Nnanna reckons that the best way of connecting with the readers is to add a bit of empathy in his writing, and relies on trusted websites like Transfermarkt and WhoScored for his articles.
Lionel Messi lifting the World Cup trophy in 2022 is Nnanna’s favorite FIFA World Cup moment, and also follows Major League Soccer due to the diminutive Argentine. He strongly believes that Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland could be the next two superstars in the same light as legendary pair Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
When not writing, he likes to play Football Manager and other simulation games.
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