Barcelona weighing up move for South American attacking prodigy next summer – report | OneFootball

It is no secret that Barcelona are on the hunt for reinforcements in the attacking department, as the club look for a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski.

The Catalans have been linked with moves for several star forwards in recent weeks, including the likes of Luis Diaz and Alexander Isak.

Barça have most recently been linked with a move for Samu Aghehowa and Ademola Lookman, with the club even prepared to shell out €100 million for the forward.

Barcelona eyeing move for Neyser Villarreal

According to Diario SPORT, Barcelona are eyeing a move for one more striker in the form of Neyser Villarreal.

Villarreal currently plies his trade for Colombian top-flight outfit Millonarios. He has made a lot of waves with his performances in his native Colombia.

Villarreal was notably the top scorer in the last edition of the South American U20 Championship.

Barcelona have identified Neyser Villarreal as a market opportunity. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

However, the teenage attacking prospect is currently at war with Millonarios. He is not too keen on extending his contract at the club and could leave for free when his contract expires in December.

That is where Barcelona come into the fray. The Catalans see Villarreal’s ongoing situation with Millonarios as an excellent market opportunity.

The report even goes on to suggest that an intermediary has even called Barcelona to offer him to the club. Sporting director Deco, in the meantime, is evaluating all the options and figuring out how they can get their hands on the player.

Barcelona can make a move now to get ahead of their opponents in the race to sign Villarreal. In that case, it is unlikely the Catalans have to shell anything more than €3 million.

Alternatively, Barça can opt to wait until the end of the player’s contract – a scenario preferred by the attacker’s agents.

Whatever may be the case, it appears Barcelona are serious about signing Villarreal. Whether or not they can get ahead of their European rivals in the race to sign the Colombian remains to be seen.