Barcelona have not lost sight of soon-to-be-free Real Madrid forward – report

Barcelona are not in a position to spend a fortune in the upcoming January transfer window. This is because the club are riddled with Financial Fair Play regulations imposed by La Liga, which have crippled their powers in the market.

However, the club are actively working behind the scenes to overcome the regulations and make themselves prepared for the summer of 2023. To that end, Barça have already identified several options in the market, including Real Sociedad starlet Martin Zubimendi.

According to Diari ARA, one more player likely to be targeted by Barcelona next summer is Marco Asensio. The Real Madrid forward has been linked with a shock move to Spotify Camp Nou in recent weeks, and as per the report, the club have not lost sight of him just yet.

Asensio is one of Real Madrid’s most experienced attacking players, having featured in 250 competitive matches for Los Blancos. But in recent years, the player has struggled with form and fitness, notably moving below the likes of Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior in the pecking order.

With his contract at Bernabeu expiring at the end of the season, Asensio could leave the club at the end of the season, in search of a new adventure elsewhere.

That is where Barcelona come into the fray. The Catalans have continued to keep close tabs on the Spanish international and want him as part of Xavi’s attacking setup next season.

The player had already shown excellent understanding with Jordi Alba, Gavi and co. during the World Cup and that combination could work well at Camp Nou next season.

Luring Asensio away from Real Madrid, though, will not be a walk in the park for Barcelona. Although his contract may soon expire, Real Madrid are likely to make efforts to convince the Spaniard to sign a new contract and with other clubs also in the fray, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for Asensio next season.