Barcelona are reportedly eyeing a £2.15 million January move for Fenerbahce striker Robin van Persie and are in talks over signing the Dutchman.
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes (h/t Metro‘s Will Giles), Van Persie is eager for a move away from the Turkish club and Barcelona are keen to bring him in as experienced back-up for Luis Suarez, Neymar and Lionel Messi.
The 32-year-old only moved to Istanbul from Manchester United in the summer, but he is seemingly unhappy with his lack of first-team opportunities at his new club, per Uche Amako in the Express.
Van Persie has started six of 10 league games so far this season for Fenerbahce, netting four times.
However, he was recently omitted from the Dutch national squad for their upcoming friendlies. Coach Danny Blind was less than complimentary about his form, per Dutch football writer Elko Born: (olland manager Danny Blind on Van Persie: ‘Since his move from MUFC he hasn’t been fit, fresh or sharp. He just hasn’t been playing well’)
It seems Barca are less damning in their assessment of Van Persie’s form and believe he can be a useful addition to their squad heading into the second half of the season.
Injuries to Messi and Rafinha have exposed Barcelona’s lack of depth along the attacking line, and they have been linked with a number of forwards as they look to strengthen in the new year.
Van Persie’s in-form compatriot Dirk Kuyt was previously mooted as an option, but he has seemingly ruled out a move away from Feyenoord, per Dutch Football.
Celta Vigo’s Nolito has also been heavily linked with a move back to the Camp Nou, but his price tag has ruled him out as an option, per Sport‘s Lluis Miguelsanz.
With Van Persie available for as little as £2.15 million, a move for him could benefit all involved, as he may well be attracted by the prospect of joining the European champions.
He would by no means be a starter at Barcelona, but the former Arsenal man would likely be more tolerant of being sidelined at the Camp Nou than he is at current club Fenerbahce.
While Van Persie has lost some of the qualities he displayed in his pomp, he is still a natural goalscorer, and his experience could be valuable for Barca at the business end of the season.
One Comment
Vinu Gopalan
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