Barcelona have reportedly set their sights on a summer move for Elche striker Lucas Boye as their chances of signing Erling Haaland diminish.
According to Fichajes, Barcelona have identified Elche CF striker Lucas Boye as a potential transfer target for the upcoming summer window as they look set to miss out on the signing of Erling Haaland.
The 21-year-old Haaland has been at the top of the summer wishlist for the Blaugrana. However, as per the latest reports, the Borussia Dortmund hitman is seemingly inching closer to a transfer to Premier League champions Manchester City. It has led to Barcelona scouring the market for alternative options to strengthen their frontline and have laid their eyes on Lucas Boye of Elche.
The 26-year-old came through the youth ranks at River Plate before moving to Europe in 2016 when he signed for Torino. He had loan spells away at Celta Vigo, AEK Athens and Reading FC before he made his way to Elche in 2020. Signed initially on loan, the Argentine forward was brought in permanently last year.
Boye has been a regular in the side for the La Liga minnows and has a tally of 15 goals and six assists from 57 appearances in all competitions. The striker has found the back of the net on seven occasions in 21 La Liga matches this season. While that is not a prolific tally, the fact that it has come for a team dawdling near the bottom of the table makes the forward’s performances commendable.
And, it seems like Boye has caught the attention of Barcelona. Super Deporte had reported that the Blaugrana were interested in signing the Argentine during the January transfer window. And, now Fichajes is claiming that they are set to rekindle their interest in the Elche ace with their chances of signing Haaland reducing.
Boye is contracted with Elche until the summer of 2024 and would be a financially feasible signing for Barcelona, given their current situation. But considering their lofty ambitions under the tutelage of club legend Xavi Hernandez, the Catalans are expected to go after more established names in the market.
Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez, a long-time target, is back on the agenda at Camp Nou. In addition, there is also interest in the likes of Robert Lewandowski and Romelu Lukaku, while Mohamed Salah has also been linked. But if their financial conditions do not improve by the time the summer transfer window rolls in, the Catalan giants may be forced to look at cheaper alternatives like Boye.
