Barcelona have reportedly accelerated their interest in signing Sergio Aguero from Manchester City, though will offer less than Juventus in the race to sign the forward.
Aguero will leave Manchester City at the end of the season after a decade of success at the Etihad, departing as the club’s all-time record goalscorer and the highest scoring overseas player in Premier League history.
The 32-year-old’s availability on a free transfer has alerted several of Europe’s leading clubs, with Barcelona, Juventus and Chelsea all linked with a move for the Argentina international.
According to Sport, Barcelona have decided to pursue a move for Aguero this summer as the Catalan side seek attacking reinforcements, whilst the player is understood to be keen on a return to Spain after a previous spell with Atletico Madrid.
Moving to the Camp Nou could also see the Argentine link up with long-term friend and compatriot Lionel Messi, a factor that reportedly plays in Barcelona’s favour amid a wealth of competition.
However, given the financial turmoil currently surrounding the Spanish side, the club’s offer to Aguero will be less than that of Juventus, who are prepared to offer the striker a two-year deal worth €10m per season, with Italy’s tax laws also better than those in Spain.
That offer is less than his current contract at City, but more than he would be able to command at a Barcelona side as they bid to reduce their wage bill, the Catalan side considering a proposal with performance incentives given Aguero’s struggles with fitness this season.
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