Serie A forward confirms interest in joining Barcelona

What’s the story?

Ernesto Valverde's search for a forward might be coming to an end. Lorenzo Insigne has confirmed his interest in joining Barcelona.

Insigne was tipped to be the 'ideal replacement' for Neymar but a move failed to materialize in the summer. Speaking to Rai Sport, the Italian said:

"I’m proud to have stayed here at Napoli. We know that Barcelona are the best team in the world though. I would have liked to play with champions like Messi and [Luis] Suarez but now I’m thinking of Napoli and I hope to win something important with Napoli.”

Despite showing interest in Insigne, Barcelona went on to sign Ousmane Dembele instead. The French international cost them €150 million but is a long-term replacement.

In case you didn’t know...

Paris Saint-Germain shocked the world by activating Neymar's €222 million release clause this summer. The Ligue 1 side signed him up and that forced Barcelona to hunt for replacements who can fill the massive void left by the Brazilian.

The heart of the matter

Lorenzo Insigne has opened the doors for Barcelona by revealing that he is open to a move to Camp Nou. The Italian forward will look forward to the January transfer window and hope that the Catalan side make a move.

Despite getting Dembele, Barcelona were also keen on signing Phillipe Coutinho as well. The Liverpool star is still on their radar and should a move for him fail, the Catalan side might head back to sign Insigne.

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Author’s Take

Insigne is a very good player but not someone who can shine at Barcelona. He will be overshadowed by Dembele and with Deulofeu also in the squad, the former La Masia product will get the preference over him.

Should Insigne decide to leave Napoli, a reason which no one can think of right now, he should try moving to the Premier League. He could be Manchester United's missing piece in the puzzle and can help bring out the best of Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford who are stuck playing on the left wing.