Manchester United and Arsenal 'in race' for Barcelona sensation and other transfer rumours

Manchester United have joined Juventus and Arsenal in the race for young Barcelona centre-back Mikayil Faye, according to reports in Spain.

The 19-year-old currently plays for Barcelona’s reserve team in the third tier of Spanish football, but his performances have caught the eye of several clubs. Spanish outlet Sport (via SportWitness) claims that United are one of those teams, along with Arsenal, Juventus, Lens, Girona, Nice and Borussia Dortmund.

Faye’s contract at the Nou Camp runs until 2027 and he is said to have a €400m (£343m) release clause. Barcelona are said to be readying themselves for offers but do not plan to sell him or loan him out in the summer.

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The Catalan giants are said to be planning to give him opportunities next season. But the player himself and his entourage could be open to a move away from the club.

Elsewhere, Football Insider claims that a decision has been made to part ways with Raphael Varane in the summer. The defender is out of contract in the summer, and United have opted not to trigger a one-year option.

The report says that the club’s hierarchy have recently held fresh talks with Varane, but the Frenchman is now set to leave the club at the end of his contract. He has been able to speak to and agree to a pre-contract with any overseas sides since January.

Varane has been with United since joining from Real Madrid in the summer of 2021. He has made a total of 93 appearances in all competitions, scoring twice.

The defender is currently out injured after leaving the pitch at half time against Chelsea last week. The problem saw him miss the weekend’s clash vs Liverpool, whether he can return against Bournemouth next week is still to be seen.