Neil El Aynaoui, AS Roma star
Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images
With the season soon coming to a close, Barcelona have kickstarted their preparations for the new campaign.
While the club are desperately looking for a new centre-back and a striker, they have also been linked with a move for a new midfielder, especially if Marc Casado ends up leaving.
Recent reports suggest the young midfielder has decided to leave Barcelona amid a lack of game time. His potential exit could pave the way for a new addition, and that is where Neil El Aynaoui comes into the fray.
According to Diario SPORT, Barcelona have intensified their pursuit of Aynaoui as they closely monitor his situation at AS Roma.
The 23-year-old Moroccan international burst onto the global scene at the Africa Cup of Nations, where his performances were instrumental in guiding Morocco to the final of the tournament.
Neil El Aynaoui, AS Roma star
Next big thing in Moroccan football? (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
His combination of physicality and technical elegance drew comparisons to some of the game’s finest midfielders, with the player himself having cited childhood idol Andres Iniesta as his primary influence.
Despite arriving at Roma last summer from RC Lens for around €23 million, El Aynaoui has struggled for consistent minutes under Gian Piero Gasperini, barely exceeding 600 Serie A minutes this season.
That situation has not gone unnoticed, and Barcelona believe it represents a genuine market opportunity.
For Deco and the sporting management, El Aynaoui offers the physical and technical balance needed to rotate with Pedri, who has been heavily relied upon throughout the campaign.
However, Barcelona will not have a clear run. Real Madrid are also monitoring his situation, and RB Leipzig have already initiated preliminary contacts.
With the player valued at around €20 million, the race is well and truly on.
Marc Casado of FC Barcelona
Marc Casado of FC Barcelona