BARCELONA may opt against signing Sergio Aguero amid reports of the striker’s high wage demands.
An extensive squad renewal plan is being set out by Ronald Koeman but the Catalans’ significant financial problems will impact how the summer unfolds.
According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Barcelona bosses are keen on the striker.
Aguero, 32, will bid a fond farewell to Manchester City when his contract expires at the end of June.
But, despite being a ‘free’ transfer, his reported wage demands of £250,000-a-week is a stumbling block for the Blaugrana.
Koeman hopes to bring in a striker but Lyon’s Memphis Depay, a long-term target who is also out of contract in the summer, is another option.
Barcelona also hope to land Georginio Wijnaldum and Eric Garcia when they become free agents at the end of the campaign.
The top priority will naturally be keeping talisman Lionel Messi and it had been claimed that signing the Argentine’s pal Aguero could help in that regard.
The pair are good friends and have played together in the Albiceleste national team for over a decade.
Yet it is Aguero’s age that is also said to be putting Barcelona off.
With Messi turning 34 during the summer and potential alternative Depay much younger at 27, the club may prefer a more long-term option.
Should the Spanish giants edge away from a deal, which Aguero is said to want, he will nonetheless have plenty of suitors.
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City’s Premier League rivals Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal have been touted for a shock swoop.
The striker has previously spoken of his desire to one day return to South America and old club Independiente are reportedly interested.
Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan are just two other clubs said to be monitoring his situation.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
