Barcelona winger Ansu Fati is not sold on a potential move to and would rather join a ‘top club’ like or Liverpool, according to reports in .
The 20-year-old, who was previously reluctant to leave Camp Nou, has emerged as a late transfer target for a host of clubs after reconsidering his stance on leaving having fallen even further down the pecking order at the start of the new season.
Fati has not been picked in the starting line-up in any of Barca’s first three La Liga matches while he now finds himself behind 16-year-old Lamine Yamal in Xavi’s pecking order.
Both Tottenham and Chelsea have in signing the young winger, with Spurs the most advanced of the two London clubs as the Blues .
Liverpool have also been credited with interest in Fati amid lingering rumours linking Mohamed Salah with a move to Saudi Arabia, while Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid and Sevilla are also keen.
While Spurs are in pole position and are stepping up talks with Barca, Catalan newspaper claim Fati may need some persuading to move to Tottenham – and give up on European football.
Ideally, he would rather join a ‘top club’ while his father is pushing for a move to Sevilla, where a regular role is up for grabs alongside Champions League participation.
Tottenham failed to qualify for Europe and have already crashed out of the Carabao Cup, meaning Fati might not get a whole lot more game time in north London than he already does currently at Barca unless he can displace one of the current starters.
Still, Spurs are continuing to progress in talks and is thought negotiations are already at a point where the clubs are discussing whether or not to include a buy option.
Tottenham would be reluctant to bring in Fati without the possibility of turning the deal into a permanent move, though it is not a deal-breaker and they signed Clement Lenglet on loan last summer without such an option.
Barca, as well as Fati’s agent, Jorge Mendes, are all keen for him to move to Tottenham and are hopeful of convincing him to make the switch.
Spurs’ move for Fati is not dependent on any of their own players leaving, whereas Atletico and Liverpool’s interest hinges on the futures of Yannick Carrasco and Salah respectively.
Chelsea are monitoring the situation but have not submitted a formal offer, though that could change if they are unable to agree a fee with Man City for Palmer – with a £35m opening bid .
Ange Postecoglou feels Fati would be an excellent addition to his squad but he is also keen to bring in more firepower in the shape of Brennan Johnson, with talks continuing with Nottingham Forest over a deal that could reach £50m.
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