Premier League club Wolves have reportedly intensified their interest in Barcelona midfield prodigy Nico Gonzalez heading into the summer window.
According to SPORT, Barcelona midfielder Nico Gonzalez has emerged as a key transfer target for Premier League club Wolves, who are ramping up their interest in the 20-year-old starlet.
Nico joined Barcelona’s La Masia youth academy in 2013 and has since made rapid strides through the ranks at the Catalan club. Widely regarded as one of the finest prospects to have come through, the midfielder broke into the first-team setup in the 2021/22 campaign, with Ronald Koeman handing the youngster his debut.
Since then, Nico has been around the senior team, becoming an important part of the squad, although his game-time took a beating in the second half of the campaign under Xavi Hernandez. Despite that, Nico ended his breakthrough season with 36 first-team appearances in which he even chipped in with two goals and assists apiece.
However, with Barcelona set to sign Franck Kessie this summer, Nico’s game-time could reduce further in the upcoming campaign. It has led to speculations over his future at Camp Nou, with several clubs in La Liga considering a loan move for the 20-year-old.
Interest in Nico is not restricted just to Spain, though, as Premier League club Wolves are also keen on signing the Spaniard in the summer. The Midlands outfit are staring at the prospect of losing star midfielder Ruben Neves, who interestingly, is a key transfer target for Barcelona as a long-term replacement for club captain Sergio Busquets.
Indeed, Neves is believed to be closing in on a transfer to Barcelona, which has led to Wolves ramping up their interest in Nico Gonzalez. Bruno Lage’s side would be open to signing the 20-year-old Spanish youth international on a permanent transfer or even on a loan deal.
The report adds that there is even the possibility of Barcelona including Nico as part of the deal to sign Neves from Wolves, as they might find it hard to meet the Portuguese international’s €50 million valuation. And the Premier League club would be open to such an arrangement.
Nico, for his part, wishes to continue at Barcelona but is aware that he will not get enough minutes if he stays put at Camp Nou. It will be interesting to see if Wolves’ interest in the 20-year-old leads to something substantial in the coming weeks.
