Barcelona Manager Xavi Addresses Ansu Fati’s Links to Real Madrid

• Ansu Fati has been linked with Real Madrid this summer
• Xavi was asked about the prospect of Fati playing for Barcelona's arch-rivals
• He gave a hilarious reaction to the question, meaning the 20-year-old may not be sold under any circumstance

Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez has addressed reports linking La Masia graduate Ansu Fati with a move to bitter rivals Real Madrid.

This summer, multiple Spanish outlets reported that the 20-year-old Spanish international wanted to leave the club after falling down the pecking order at the club.

Fati played just 11 minutes in Barca's first match of the season against Getafe. Last season, he was used sparingly by Xavi, making just 12 starts in La Liga, per Transfermarkt.

The youngster has failed to nail down a starting spot in the team despite shaking off injury problems that have rocked his career so far.

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English clubs Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal have been linked with Fati, and given Barcelona's endless financial woes, he may well be sold.

Xavi on Fati to Madrid links

Speaking ahead of Barcelona's clash against Cadiz, he was asked if he could see Fati playing for Madrid one day. His reaction was hilarious.

“That is a joke, isn’t it? I was already very strong. These debates that are generated that don’t make any sense to me. He’s very important to us and it will continue to be. He’s part of the club’s assets, and I think I’ve been very clear on this.”

Before that, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti was asked about Fati's links to the club.

“Well, what can I say. Ansu Fati is a youngster, who will have a great future. I’ll leave it there," via Football Espana.

Throughout history, many players have played for both Real Madrid and Barcelona. Ronaldo Nazario and Luis Figo are the famous players to play for both clubs. However, such a transfer has been rare in the last few years.

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Ansu Fati destroys Arsenal

Sports Brief earlier reported on Fati and Alejandro Balde destroying Arsenal defenders during their pre-season friendly.

Arsenal defenders Ben White and Bukayo Saka were the victims of Balde and Fati's brilliance.

The Gunners had the last laugh, though, as they won the match 5-3.