Chelsea lurking in background as La Liga giants open Aguero talks

Barcelona have initiated contact with the entourage of Sergio Aguero as he prepares for his Manchester City exit, according to a report.

Aguero is out of contract at the Etihad Stadium in June and has already confirmed that he will leave. At 32 years of age, he still has a point to prove and will attract many suitors. There have been rumours of him moving elsewhere in the Premier League, but a return to La Liga is an option.

The Argentina striker previously enjoyed a successful spell with Atletico Madrid. As soon as it became clear he would be leaving City, Barcelona were tipped to take him back to La Liga.

Now, those rumours are accelerating. According to Sky Sports, Barcelona have contacted his representatives.

Barca are building for the future and are hoping to convince Lionel Messi to stay with the club. A partnership with his international teammate Aguero would be an interesting one.

Funds are fairly tight at Camp Nou, so getting a player of Aguero’s calibre on a free transfer would be useful for them.

It is unclear what the response from the striker’s camp was, though. They will no doubt be aware that there will be plenty of other opportunities on the horizon.

Pep Guardiola: We want the best for Sergio Aguero

Pep Guardiola says he has no preference over whether Sergio Aguero stays in England or moves abroad and insists he will support the player's choice.

For example, Sky add that if he stays in the Premier League, Chelsea would be the most likely destination. The Blues have reached the Champions League final but have got there without relying on a regular striker.

Timo Werner hasn’t always hit the heights expected of him, while Tammy Abraham is being linked with an exit. Olivier Giroud is also out of contract.

Therefore, Aguero could replenish their attack in the short-term if they can’t convince more expensive targets to arrive.

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Zabaleta tips Aguero to join Barca

Despite that interest from Chelsea, as well as Everton, a move to Barcelona looks the most likely option for Aguero.

Indeed, former City teammate Pablo Zabaleta recently claimed he could imagine Aguero in Catalonia.

“I see him at Barcelona,” Zabaleta said on Spanish radio (via Sport). “I’m sure that, as soon as he gets well, he will go back to being the player we have seen for years.

“If he can be physically fit and not have injuries that prevent him from being consistent throughout the season, he can still have at least two good years.

“He is a player who is decisive within the penalty area. We have already seen him during these years in England, scoring more than 20 goals per season and very important goals.”

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