Barcelona are reportedly monitoring the development of Uruguayan forward Matias Arezo at River Plate, although their priorities lie elsewhere.
According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are tracking the progress of Uruguayan prospect Matias Arezo who is making quite an impression at River Plate.
Arezo has been with the Uruguayan giants since 2011, when he joined the club’s youth academy. Since then, the 19-year-old has enjoyed a steady progression through the ranks, making his first-team breakthrough in July 2019, aged just 16. The youngster has since racked up a total of 91 appearances, bagging 37 goals and 14 assists in the process.
Arezo has enjoyed a particularly productive 2021, during which the teenage striker has produced a tally of 16 goals and five assists from 29 matches in all competitions, putting himself on the map in the process. And the Uruguayan Under-23 international’s progress has not gone unnoticed, with several clubs across Europe keeping a keen eye on his development.
Indeed, the likes of Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have been credited with an interest in the 19-year-old, with Barcelona also now emerging as a prospective suitor for the teenage forward.
It is no secret that the Blaugrana are in the market for reinforcements in the attacking contingent as they look to add more quality options to their injury-hit roster. Sergio Aguero could be staring at early retirement after his heart condition came to light, while Luuk de Jong is not favoured by manager Xavi Hernandez.
Martin Braithwaite is a mere backup option at best, and Memphis Depay is not excelling in the No. 9 role. As a result, Barcelona are desperate to add a new striker to their ranks. It has seen them get linked with several players in recent weeks, with Arezo also now emerging as a potential target for the Catalan giants.
It is claimed that the Blaugrana have received positive reports on the 19-year-old. However, as things stand, their priority is not Arezo, but his compatriot Agustin Alvarez, who has been lighting it up for Penarol, while another South American forward in Julian Alvarez is also high on the club’s wishlist.
However, with Arezo’s contract with River Place expiring in December next year, the teenage prospect could be available for a bargain price in January or the summer, making him a viable target for Barcelona. Whether they decide to go after him or pursue alternate targets remains to be seen.
