Transfer Centre

Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur 'monitoring Ansu Fati situation at Barcelona'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 30 August 2023

Chelsea, Spurs 'monitoring Fati situation at Barcelona'

Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur allegedly monitor Ansu Fati's situation at Barcelona in the closing stages of the summer transfer window.

Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly both keeping a close eye on Ansu Fati's situation at Barcelona in the closing stages of the summer transfer window.

The 20-year-old has featured off the bench in all three of Barcelona's La Liga matches this season, but there is still thought to be a chance that he could leave Camp Nou before the market closes.

There has been a host of speculation surrounding Fati's future this year, with his father Bori Fati saying back in March that he wants his son to leave the club in order to secure regular starts.

The Spain international burst onto the scene in 2019, but a series of serious injuries have harmed his progress over the last few years.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Fati's situation is 'one to watch' in the final stages of the market; Spurs have allegedly asked to be kept informed, while Chelsea are also said to have discussed a possible deal earlier this week.

Ansu Fati celebrates scoring for Barcelona on September 10, 2022 © Reuters

The attacker missed 47 games for Barcelona between November 2020 and September 2021 due to a serious knee injury, and he has since been absent with two separate hamstring problems.

Fati made 51 appearances at club level during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring 10 goals and contributing four assists in the process, but he found it difficult to secure regular starts.

Barcelona are in a strong position when it comes to the Spaniard's future, with his current deal having another four years left to run, while there is also a club option to extend the agreement until 2029.

Manchester United are said to be long-term admirers of the Spaniard, but the Red Devils are not in the race for his signature entering the latter stages of the market.

Ansu Fati celebrates scoring for Barcelona on August 21, 2022 © Reuters

Tottenham allegedly view Fati as an alternative to Brennan Johnson, who is preparing to leave Nottingham Forest before Friday's transfer deadline.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are keen to add another attacker to their squad before the end of the window, and Fati has seemingly emerged as a genuine target for the Blues.

According to journalist Javi Miguel, Barcelona boss Xavi is not against the youngster leaving Camp Nou.

However, the 43-year-old would allegedly insist that the forward returns at some point, meaning that any departure is likely to be on loan, or include a buy-back option.

An exit for Fati could open the door for Barcelona to bring in Joao Felix on loan from Atletico Madrid, with discussions surrounding a deal for the Portugal international thought to be continuing late in the market.