Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has affirmed that he wants Ansu Fati to stay in Catalonia "for life" amid speculation regarding the teenager's next career move.

The 17-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign at Camp Nou this term and has chalked up eight goals and one assist across all competitions for La Blaugrana.

Fati has naturally been linked with moves elsewhere after bursting onto the scene in La Liga, but Bartomeu has insisted that Barca will not sanction a sale for the Spain Under-21 international.

Speaking to Sport, Bartomeu said: "There have been no formal offers but there has been interest from some clubs. Barcelona's answer has been: "No."

"He's essential for the future of the club. Ansu is not for sale. He represents the academy the players come out of, learn from and consolidate themselves in the first team.

"He's unique because he jumped from the youth team to the first team. There are not many players like him and Barcelona cannot sell him, even if it would be an economic solution for the club in the times of this pandemic.

"At no time have we considered selling him. On the contrary: what we have to do is help him in his growth and get him to sign a new contract in the future, so that he plays here for life.

"He signed the contract as a Barcelona B player. Now the plan is to transfer him to the first team. He's going to the first team because he's earned it.

"He's only 17, let's not put pressure on him. Now he has to play and train with the best. Let him get into the team. The role that awaits him will be decided by him when appropriate. It is still early."

Fati is under contract at Camp Nou until the end of the 2021-22 season.