Xavi’s side are planning to continue their spending spree when the transfer window opens again in January, and the Spain international is reportedly on the 42-year-old’s shopping list.
Asensio has less than a year remaining on his contract at Madrid, and, according to Mundo Deportivo via The Sun, the 26-year-old could soon be heading to his club’s fierce rivals.
Asensio was linked with a move away from the Bernabeu during the summer, but a move never materialised and he could leave for free next year.
He has regularly struggled for minutes under Carlo Ancelotti, and was recently seen expressing his frustrations on the bench when he wasn’t brought on during Madrid’s game against Mallorca last weekend.
Barca, meanwhile, added the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Jules Kounde to their ranks in the summer as they tried to improve on a disappointing few years riddled with financial difficulties.
They plan to continue spending in a bid to return to the top of European football, though troubles remain off the pitch.
It is suggested that the club are interested in Asensio because of his age, skill level and tactical adaptability. They reportedly see him as a mature player with plenty of room to still improve.
Asensio has scored 50 goals in 239 games for Madrid since joining in 2014, but it’s looking increasingly likely his future lies elsewhere, with interest also high from other European leagues.
