Reliable journo confirms that Chelsea target Ansu Fati is set to join PL rival

Fabrizio Romano confirms Barcelona star Ansu Fati is set to join Brighton & Hove Albion loan amid Chelsea interest

According to Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona star Ansu Fati is set to join Brighton & Hove Albion on loan despite Chelsea interest. Barcelona have not included the buy option, which will see the youngster return to the Spanish club after his loan spell.

The 20-year-old was seriously considering leaving Barcelona following his reduced game time at the club, and Tottenham Hotspur also inquired about the player. The Spanish international’s inconsistent form has seen him get fewer minutes on the pitch, yet he was Barcelona’s second-top scorer last season after Robert Lewandowski.

Spurs were in direct talks with Barcelona regarding a loan deal, while Chelsea never made a formal approach. Plenty of players were linked with a move to Chelsea, even their former academy player Jamal Musiala.

They also asked about Arsenal ace Emile Smith-Rowe, but the Gunners rejected any talks. However, the Blues are closing in on the signing of Manchester City star Col Palmer.

Missing out on Fati isn’t a big blow, as the Blues have a host of left-wingers such as Mykhaylo Mudryk, Raheem Sterling, and Christopher Nkunku. So, it would be challenging to see where Fati would fit; he is also injury-prone.

While Fati is a talented goal scorer and is capable of playing any position on the offensive line, we need more of a creative player. With Brighton’s reputation for developing young players and with no buyback option, we may be able to persuade Barcelona to sell the 20-year-old to us if he performs well this Premier League season. Taking into account that he will eventually acclimatise to the league.

More Chelsea News

• Chelsea tell Romelu Lukaku to lower his salary demands with AS Roma transfer on the cards
• Mauricio Pochettino causes Chelsea frenzy after failing to recognise Malang Sarr
• Manchester United are considering a loan bid for Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella

We are close to signing Palmer, who is more of a creative force and a goalscorer. He has already played in the Premier League, so that’s the cherry on top.