Barcelona eye move for La Liga midfielder but face competition from Premier League giants

Barcelona’s recent 2-1 defeat at the hands of Atletico Madrid was another reminder that the club’s early honeymoon period under Hansi Flick is slowly coming off.

The team has started to show weakness in certain key areas and it was evident against Atletico Madrid, notwithstanding Gavi’s tremendous display.

In fact, Barcelona have already started looking for reinforcements, especially in the midfield unit, where the team does require a bit more flexibility.

Barcelona interested in Lucien Agoume

To that end, a recent report from La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Mundo Deportivo) suggests Barcelona are interested in the services of Lucien Agoume.

A holding midfielder by trade, Agoume currently plies his trade for Sevilla, having joined the club in a €4 million move from Inter Milan this past summer.

Agoume, in fact, has been a key differentiator for Los Nervionenses this season, racking up 17 competitive appearances.

Agoume has been phenomenal for Sevilla this season (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)

The 22-year-old has impressed onlookers with his ability to control midfield and circulate possession. This is something which could prove to be handy for Barcelona.

Agoume’s contract situation

Signing Agoume, though, will be a bit tricky for Barça. Sevilla were able to acquire only 50% of the player’s rights this past summer.

However, they have the option to acquire 40% more of the player’s transfer rights by paying an additional €4 million next summer.

By acquiring a total of 90% of Agoume’s transfer rights, the Spanish outfit can easily sell the midfielder for a larger amount.

More importantly, Barcelona are set to face stiff competition from Arsenal, in the race to sign Agoume next summer.

The Sevilla midfielder, in fact, has emerged as one of the priorities for Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta, as he looks to sign a long-term replacement for Thomas Partey.