Barcelona are being linked with a move to potentially hijack West Ham’s loan deal to sign Jonathan Calleri this summer, according to Spanish source Sport.
Earlier this month, West Ham agreed a deal with Calleri’s parent club Deportivo Maldonado to sign the Argentine striker on a season-long loan with a view to buy next summer, but now things have become slightly more complicated.
News of Barcelona’s interest could potentially delay Calleri’s decision to join the Hammers having already rejected Sevilla and Inter Milan.
Barcelona, one of the biggest clubs in world football, would be an attractive option for the 22-year-old who is currently with Argentina’s Olympics squad preparing for next month’s Games in Brazil.
Maldonado signed Calleri from Boca Juniors in January and immediately loaned him to Sao Paulo where he scored 16 goals in 31 appearances and was the top scorer in the Copa Libertadores.
Native source UOL also confirm Barcelona’s interest who are keen to sign another forward to play second-fiddle to the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez to offer them a rest during the season, and Calleri is on their shortlist.
West Ham are waiting on a work permit for Calleri’s before his move will be completed, but with no deal officially signed yet, there’s a chance Barcelona could make an eleventh-hour swoop.
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