Chelsea are reportedly keeping a close eye on Barcelona winger Ansu Fati, who is currently seen as surplus to requirements at the Spanish club. Once hailed as Lionel Messi’s successor, Fati’s career hasn’t gone as expected due to frequent injuries and a lack of consistent game time. Now, with Barcelona ready to offload him, Chelsea are considering a move – but is it the right decision?
At the age of 21, Ansu Fati was sent on loan to Brighton & Hove Albion for the 2023–24 season. While he showed glimpses of his talent, his overall impact was limited. He scored 29 goals in 123 matches across all competitions for Barcelona. These numbers reflect a player still struggling to rediscover his early promises.
According to Spanish journalist Helena Condis, Chelsea are not alone in showing interest. Clubs like West Ham United, AS Monaco, and even Manchester United are also monitoring Fati’s situation.
Chelsea under manager Enzo Maresca, are looking to strengthen their attack. The club has been focusing on young talents, and Fati fits that profile. He can play across the front line, on the left, right, or even as a central attacker offering much needed versatility. With Chelsea playing in multiple competitions next season, having depth in attack will be crucial.
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However, Fati’s injury history is a major concern. He has missed significant time over the past few seasons with hamstring and knee issues. The physical nature of the Premier League might not be ideal for a player who has struggled to stay fit in La Liga. Chelsea must consider whether he can handle the intensity and long season in England.
There’s also the question of whether Fati’s arrival would hinder the progress of other young players in the squad, such as Noni Madueke. Chelsea already have several attacking options, and adding another name could lead to unnecessary competition or confusion in the squad.
Financially, the deal could make sense if it’s structured well, for example, a loan with an option to buy. This would allow Chelsea to test Fati without a big upfront cost. But committing a large transfer fee to a player who has not been consistent recently would be risky.
Signing Ansu Fati could be a gamble worth taking for Chelsea, but only under the right conditions. If he can maintain his fitness and rebuild his confidence, he has the potential to be a crucial asset. However, the club needs to thoroughly assess the risks before reaching a final decision.
Written by Kinjal Walantra
