La Liga heavyweights Barcelona have reportedly intensified the efforts to sign soon-to-be-free Real Madrid attacker Marco Asensio.
According to a report by Spanish outlet SPORT, Barcelona and Marco Asensio are in contact. The Catalan giants have held conversations with Jorge Mendes about the Real Madrid attacker, who will become a free agent if he does not sign a new deal before the summer transfer window opens.
Marco Asensio has endured a topsy-turvy ride since joining Real Madrid from RCD Mallorca in July 2015. The Spaniard is yet to stamp his authority nearly eight years following his arrival at the Santiago Bernabeu. But he has produced several game-changing displays for Real Madrid.
The 27-year-old has been a bit-part player for Real Madrid this term, managing only 735 minutes of game time thus far. But the Spanish international has still chipped in with three goals and five assists. Meanwhile, Asensio’s situation — he is in the final six months of his Real Madrid contract — has captured the attention of Barcelona.
Barcelona saw Memphis Depay join Atletico Madrid last week following the Dutchman’s drop in stature. In addition, players like Ferran Torres and Raphinha face uncertain futures at Spotify Camp Nou. So Barcelona will likely delve into the market for a wide-attacking reinforcement in the summer transfer window.
Asensio has thus emerged as a viable target for Barcelona. While signing the soon-to-be-free Real Madrid attacker will be controversial, the Catalan giants are well within their rights to execute a Bosman move. In addition, Asensio’s impending free-agent status makes him an appealing prospect for the cash-strapped Blaugrana.
The Catalan giants have stepped up their efforts to sign the 27-year-old, initiating discussions with Jorge Mendes about him. Meanwhile, recent reports have claimed that Real Madrid might offer a new deal to the Spaniard. But Asensio’s wage demands have stalled negotiations over a renewal.
A controversial Bosman move to Barcelona in the summer might thus be on the cards for Asensio. But it will be interesting to see if Real Madrid will tie the Spanish international to a new contract. An intriguing few weeks beckon the player and the two clubs.
