Arsenal join Man United and Bayern Munich in the race for 19-year-old Barcelona wonderkid – but could have to fork out £25m for Senegal defender

Arsenal have joined the clubs following Barcelona B defender Mikayil Faye ahead of a possible summer transfer.

Mail sport revealed last month that Manchester United, Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich have all monitored the powerful young centre-half who can also play as a left-back.

United scouts saw the 19-year-old score a spectacular goal on his international debut for Senegal against Gabon in March and he followed it up with a thunderous free-kick for Atlético Barcelona against Osasuna a week later.

He has been included in Barcelona’s first team squads and is expected to be called up before the end of the season and head coach Xavi gives Faye a bright future.

“Yes, he has already played some friendly matches,” Xavi told the Spanish media. “He is a capable footballer, he is aggressive, he is fast and he knows how to serve the ball well. He could help us at some point. He has the level, without a doubt.”

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However, Barcelona’s financial constraints mean that Faye is also becoming a viable target for rival clubs who have been closely monitoring his progress.

Barca believe they could make a substantial profit on the teenager who they bought for just £4million from NK Kustosija last summer, ahead of competition from Chelsea.

Indeed, the Spanish giants hope to be able to secure £25m for Faye as interest grows.

Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen are particularly interested because they see Faye as a player whose value could quickly double if his progression continues, while United and Bayern Munich want to be kept informed.

Arsenal’s presence will also give Barca additional encouragement to demand a substantial fee for a player who is under contract until 2027 and has a release clause of £344m.

Arsenal are ready to back Mikel Arteta once again this summer in their fight for the Premier League title. They want to improve in all areas, attack, midfield, defense and they will add a goalkeeper and Newcastle target Aaron Ramsdale is expected to leave.

Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres, Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi and Columbus Crew’s Patrick Schulte are on his watch list.

They want young, versatile players who are confident in possession and Faye also fits that profile.