La Liga champions Barcelona have confirmed they remain interested in Arsenal forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after failing to prise away that Gabon international during the January window.
Aubameyang has enjoyed yet another fruitful season in front of goal for the Gunners with 16 goals scored in just 27 appearances across the whole campaign.
The Catalan giants are in a desperate search for a striker after the long-term injury to Luis Suarez who is reportedly out for the rest of the season. But with the January window over, it is clear now that Barcelona must start planning ahead and a hunt for a top striker is sure to be atop of their agenda once the window opens up again in June.
Barcelona’s pursuit of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is warranted considering his terrific record in front of goal for Arsenal. But with Luis Suarez on the wane at the age of 33, why replace the Uruguayan with another player who will only be at the club for another two or three seasons? The Gabon international turns 31 when the window opens and is already approaching the twilight of his career.
It’s time Barcelona focus their attentions away from short-term fixes and approach the bigger picture. It’s clear the club is need of a fresh direction and impetus throughout the whole squad especially after the appointment of Quique Setien – a huge advocate of Barcelona’s ‘tiki-taka’ traditions. Academy product Ansu Fati represents a huge step in the right direction and with a few academy talents certainly raising a few eyebrows such as Juan Miranda and Riqui Puig who are both in with a shout of staking a claim in the first team sooner rather than later.
The club must follow that up within their recruitment policy by focusing their efforts on a much younger and fresher forward. Inter Milan and Lionel Messi’s fellow compatriot Lautaro Martinez fits the bill and ticks all the boxes.
The 22-year old is enjoying a scintilating season at the San Siro under the tutelage of former Chelsea and Juventus boss Antonio Cone. 11 goals in 20 appearances in Serie A, the striker has formed an incredible partnership with Romelu Lukaku as the Inter Milan going in search of their first Serie A triumph since 2010.
Martinez holds character, drive and ambition to grace the Camp Nou for the next 10 years. It is reported that the Argentinian’s release clause at the club is at €110m and could represent a huge investment for the future providing Barcelona secure his signature in the summer.
Martinez has rapidly become one of Europe’s most deadliest strikers. He’s also scored five goals in the Champions League this season despite Inter Milan failing to qualify for the knockout stages. Martinez isn’t just a threat because of his goal scoring prowess but there is a selflessness to his game that makes him such a unique forward. The way in which he leads from the front, hustling and harrying his opponents in order to win the ball back quickly and efficiently. His ability to perform roles in Conte’s rigid system that he may be unaccustomed to highlights his significance to the squad. His link up play is extraordinary too, its no wonder why he has formed one of the most deadliest striking partnerships in Europe with Lukaku.
The Argentine’s movement, constant running and relentless energy allows him to become a necessary decoy in order for Lukaku to perform to his best. Martinez is seen as a foil for Lukaku. It’s a role that Luis Suarez has so effortlessly performed throughout his time at the Camp Nou. While Messi can certainly do things on his own, its his partnership and understanding with Luis Suarez that has propelled his goal scoring prowess in recent seasons. Lautaro Martinez can provide just that and much more. The striker’s pace, energy, tenacity and finishing qualities coupled with Messi and Griezmann’s creativity around him could retrieve the ruthless edge Barcelona once held when Messi, Suarez and Neymar were running riot under Luis Enrique.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocIF0c7IrOw
Signing of Lautaro Martinez would represent a huge step towards dominating Europe once again. The Argentinian’s signature may demand a huge fee, but its certainly an investment that serve them well in future. The player is worth every penny considering the nature of the current market. It’s time Barcelona started looking to the future, Lautaro Martinez is a player they should be pursuing to secure it.
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