Barcelona have been linked with a move for West Ham United playmaker Manuel Lanzini next summer. According to recent reports, Barca superstar Lionel Messi is a big fan of Lanzini and would welcome him with open arms if the Catalans decide to opt for his services when the summer transfer window opens at the end of the season.
The 25-year-old is currently out on international duty with the Argentina national team and is training alongside Messi. He has been plagued by injuries this season but has still managed to put in some eye-catching displays for the Hammers. However, the Argentine is yet to realise his full potential at the London Stadium and has been touted to make a big move to further his career. Liverpool were linked with him in the past and a move has failed to materialise so far which could pave the way for the La Liga champions-elect to make a swoop for his signature this summer.
Some sources have recently claimed that Messi has told his Barca teammate Luis Suarez that he reckons that Lanzini will be a successful signing at the Nou Camp if he decides to leave the East London outfit in search of more challenges in the near future. It is believed that Ernesto Valverde’s side could be on the lookout to find a replacement for Andreas Iniesta this summer and according to Messi, Lanzini fits the bill perfectly.
Barcelona are dominating the La Liga table with a tally of 75 points in 29 league matches. They are 11 points above second-placed Atletico Madrid with just 9 matches to go in this campaign. The Catalans have also managed to qualify for the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League and are now set to face AS Roma over two legs next month for a place in the semi-finals of the competition.
With Andreas Iniesta’s time running down at the Nou Camp, Lanzini could be a worthy replacement for the Spaniard if Valverde’s side are successful in bringing him to Catalonia. The 25-year-old has scored 3 goals and provided 8 assists in 23 matches for the Hammers this season in all competitions. Barca already has the likes of Andreas Iniesta, Phillipe Coutinho, Paulinho, André Gomes, Ivan Rakitic, Sergio Busquets and Sergi Roberto vying for a place in Valverde’s starting eleven.
The addition of Lanzini will undoubtedly bolster their midfield options and add more competition for places in the Barca squad. At 25, he still has his peak years ahead of him which the Catalans could look to utilise in the coming years. It remains to be seen what lies ahead in the future of Lanzini and whether he makes a switch to the Nou Camp this summer.
