Barcelona does not count on Ansu Fati, Laporta wants a ‘big-name’ signing

As we get closer and closer to the start of the new season, Barcelona are still trying to make improvements to their squad before the transfer window slams shut in three weeks’ time.

There have been some notable exits so far this summer, while the club has made some interesting signings as well. But, manager Xavi Hernandez is still seeking more quality additions to the roster and the Blaugrana administration is trying to provide him with just that.

Amidst this, journalist Jose Alvarez on El Chiringuito is reporting that Barcelona president Joan Laporta wants to bring in a ‘big-name’ player such as Neymar or even Joao Felix before the transfer window closes.

For that to happen though, the La Liga champions would need another important sale, and the report states that Ansu Fati could be the one to be sacrificed by the club.

Barcelona do not count on Ansu
Throughout the summer, there have been contradicting reports emerging on the future of Ansu Fati. While some state that Barcelona are ready to trust the 20-year-old, some others insist that he will be allowed to leave if a good offer came in.

And, as per Jose Alvarez, Barça do not count on the La Masia gem for the upcoming campaign and as such a sale is not off the table.

Fati’s exit would be crucial for the Catalan giants if they wish to make a marquee signing before the transfer window slams shut.

Such a move, though, does not appeal to journalist Marçal Lorente, who opined that it would be foolish to offload Ansu to bring in a player like Neymar, who is past his best.

“Neymar is more than finished. It’s nonsense. You’re gonna kick out Ansu, who’s recovering his level, to bring Neymar who has become a failure,” he said.

Atletico Madrid interested
Amidst this, Alex Silvestre has claimed that Barcelona’s La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid have expressed an interest in acquiring Ansu’s services.

Manager Diego Simeone is understood to be an admirer of the Spanish international and has asked the club to follow the young attacker’s situation closely.

There is nothing concrete at this point, but if Atletico are indeed interested, they will have a tough task convincing Fati, who does not contemplate an exit this summer despite already having an offer from the Premier League.