He is their Top priority’: Brighton Coach Roberto De Zerbi says He will only allow £60m Star to join Arsenal in January only on One condition
The jury is still out for Arsenal’s summer transfer window, with Mikel Arteta’s transfer business proving to be something of a mixed bag so far, though, there are plenty of positives.
Certain variables, like the long-term injury inflicted upon Jurrien Timber 50 minutes into his Premier League debut, make it hard to form a convincing opinion – but the Dutchman’s past exploits with Ajax certainly tantalise a successful career to come.
Kai Havertz’s performances have certainly left much to be admired, with former professional Curtis Shaw even remarking that the German is “not good enough” for the ambitious Gunners squad.
Declan Rice, however, has been sensational and is comfortably one of the Premier League’s finest midfielders, and goalkeeper David Raya’s style aligns with Arteta’s vision, and he has been largely confident, albeit leaving Aaron Ramsdale a little disconcerted.
As a whole, Arsenal have been excellent and are enjoying a continuation of their newfound prominence under their manager’s guidance, perhaps a little less captivating in attack but more mature and cohesive as a unit.
To dethrone Manchester City as the Premier League champions and sustain their position of power over the coming years, Arsenal will need to build upon this impressive foundation and continue to add first-class quality to the squad, with Ansu Fati the latest player to enter the narrative.
Arsenal transfer news – Ansu Fati
According to Football Transfers, Arsenal are among the host of English outfits to hold an interest in signing Barcelona winger Fati at the end of his loan spell with Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Spaniard, who boasts a remarkable £871m release clause, has made a promising start to life in the Premier League, joining Brighton in the summer after injuries heavily disrupted his development at La Blaugrana.
Xavi’s side felt that his growth would be best served elsewhere for the time being, but with neither Ferran Torres nor Raphinha evoking confidence at Camp Nou, suitors such as Arsenal will have an onerous task in convincing both the player and his LaLiga club to grant his sale.
Ansu Fati’s style of play
Once remarked as a “generational player” by Xavi, the 21-year-old was touted for greatness as he blitzed onto the scene with age-belying brilliance several years ago, scoring eight goals from 33 matches in 2019/20 – a campaign that he commenced as a 16-year-old.
It looked like the start of something special, and maybe it still is, but Fati’s lightning start to life on the major stage took a detrimental hit the following year when he ruptured the inner meniscus of his left knee during a 5-2 romping of Real Betis. It was November; he would not play again that season.
Perhaps it’s more poignant that he had started the 2020/21 term in stellar showing, posting five goals and four assists from just ten matches, but he’s failed to return to the same blistering heights since and Barcelona felt that a move to Brighton would be beneficial for his progress.
At his best, the £198k-per-week phenom is dynamic, intelligent and technically astute, with a ruthless striking streak and electricity on the ball that highlights his Barca DNA.
