Steven Nzonzi has back on Barcelona’s radar, according to the Spanish media, but it seems like his price tag and his age might cost him a move to the Nou Camp.
Nzonzi has been recognised as one of the best midfielders in Europe since joining Seville from Stoke City for £7m in the summer of 2015.
Mundo Deportivo describe him as “the penultimate great discovery of Monchi,” the Seville transfer tsar who left for Roma after plucking Nzonzi from the Potters.
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Now in the France squad and having helped inspire a Champions League win over Manchester United, pundits are speculating if the very big fish might now come calling.
Gabriel Sans claims that Nzonzi will weigh up moves to Serie A or the Premier League in the summer when he has 12 months left on his contract… but not Barca. Juventus would apparently be willing to pay a 30m euros buy-out clause, although reports in France suggest that is nearer 40m.
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Sans writes: “The Barcelona scouts have always recorded in their repeated reports that Nzonzi is more than qualified to be their midfield man. His dexterity with the ball and his tactical vision borders on perfection and he measures in at 1.96m (6ft 5in).
“The handicap is his age. Nzonzi will be a few months from turning 29 if he registers a transfer this summer.
“In the club it is argued he will be too old for such a large outlay and long contract. They would not be willing to negotiate a contract for five seasons.”
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