35-year-old former Atletico Madrid striker offered to Barcelona – report

As manager Ronald Koeman looks to add another centre-forward to his squad before the transfer window closes, Barcelona have been offered a chance to sign former Atletico Madrid and Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic, reports ESPN’s Jordi Blanco Duch.

Barcelona have already added Sergio Aguero and Memphis Depay to their forward ranks this summer, while Rey Manaj has also emerged as an option, apart from Martin Braithwaite.

However, Koeman, seemingly, is not entirely convinced with what he has at his disposal. Manaj has been linked with an exit this late in the transfer window, while Aguero’s fitness issues remain a concern. Braithwaite, after a stunning opening day display against Real Sociedad, has looked dull in the last couple of matches.

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But given the club’s financial situation bringing in a top signing is well and truly off the table. And as Barca look for cost-effective solutions, they have now been offered a shot at signing veteran Croatian striker Mario Mandzukic.

The 35-year-old is no stranger to La Liga, having spent a year with Atletico Madrid in 2014/15, during which he had quite a productive season. Following that, Mandzukic enjoyed a trophy-laden spell at Juventus and had stints with Qatari club Al-Duhail and, more recently, AC Milan.

The Croatian’s spell with Milan was nothing short of a disaster as he made just 11 appearances after signing in January earlier this year. Having failed to score a single goal or make any sort of discernable impact, Mandzukic and Milan decided to part ways, with the striker now a free agent.

Now, as per ESPN, Barcelona have been provided with an opportunity to sign the veteran centre-forward. And while Koeman remains keen on adding to his attacking contingent, any move for Mandzukic or someone else would only be considered if the club are successful in offloading unwanted players.