Chelsea have emerged as an unexpected contender for Barcelona outcast Ansu Fati, with the Premier League side exploring a possible move for the 22-year-old forward whose future at Camp Nou appears increasingly untenable.
Fati, once heralded as Lionel Messi’s heir, has seen his stock plummet following persistent injuries and limited opportunities under multiple managers.
Most recently, new head coach Hansi Flick excluded him from Barcelona’s final two La Liga fixtures, despite neither carrying competitive weight, effectively signaling the club’s lack of confidence in his long-term potential.
While Ligue 1’s AS Monaco remain in pole position to land Fati on loan, reports from Cadena Cope suggest Chelsea are now weighing up a calculated gamble on the Spaniard.
The club are reportedly open to a low-fee transfer or free acquisition, should Barcelona agree to terminate Fati’s contract, which currently runs until 2028.
Fati’s situation is complicated by his status as one of Barça’s top earners, a result of a long-term extension signed during his injury struggles.
Any departure would require negotiations over a severance package.
His agent, Jorge Mendes, is set for fresh talks in Barcelona this week, where Fati’s future and Lamine Yamal’s contract extension are both on the agenda.
However, Barcelona, for their part, are open to offload Fati permanently, but Fati’s camp is reportedly receptive to an exit.
