Carlos Vela to Barcelona: Barcelona are actively looking for a forward in the transfer market.
Barcelona are currently at the top of the table. The side is five points ahead of the second-placed Atletico Madrid.
A brace from Ousmane Dembele and a second-half goal from Lionel Messi helped Barcelona overturned a one-goal deficit in the Copa del Rey round-of-16 last night.
However, Barca are still active in the transfer market for a forward after the departure of Munir Al-Haddadi earlier in the window.
And various reports from Spain, as well as ESPN Desportes has now claimed that Barcelona are aiming to bring Carlos Vela back to Spain.
Carlos Vela to Barcelona:
The Mexican forward currently plays for Los Angeles FC. Before joining the MLS side, he played for Real Sociedad for seven years, which included a loan spell at the club from Arsenal.
Barcelona are now eyeing a move for Carlos Vela.
📰 [MD] | Barça has already ruled out the option of loaning Morata because of economic demands and because the player wants guarantees for minutes.
🔷 The club does not want a compulsory purchase option.
🔶 Now either Carlos Vela or another striker. pic.twitter.com/gscCXmUFFl
— BarçaTimes (@BarcaTimes) January 18, 2019
Carlos Vela even gets a small headline on Friday’s front page of Diario SPORT. Negotiations with Vela and his agent were quick because he wants to return to Spain, and he’s flattered by #Barça interest. Valverde likes that he can play as winger, #10, or false nine.#LAFC #ElTri pic.twitter.com/64bN8DfoBz
— Joga Bonito USA (@Jasoninho10) January 18, 2019
According to ESPN Desportes, the Mexican forward has emerged as an option to cover for Barcelona’s lack of depth in the centre-forward department.
Barcelona have also been linked with a move for Alvaro Morata, but the deal looks unlikely after various reports have claimed that Morata might prefer a switch to Atletico Madrid.
According to ESPN’s Jodi Blanco, Carlos Vela is “one of the names” on the shortlist for Barcelona.
He also stated that Barcelona have not made an official offer for Vela but that Los Angeles FC are aware that a potential offer could arrive from the Catalan club.
Barcelona are aiming to add depth to the centre-forward, where Luis Suarez is currently the only option in the first team.
Barça are trying to make an agreement with Los Angeles FC over a loan deal of Mexican International Carlos Vela (29). Barça are also looking out for other options in LaLiga. If not, then the club will surely finalise and sign Vela on loan. [Diario Sport]
— Barcelonista Raaj (@RajPrad45101699) January 18, 2019
📰 | The club has a total agreement with Carlos Vela and his club, Los Angeles FC. However, in parallel, the club is in full negotiations with another striker with La Liga experience. A striker that would have a high salary but his exit is complicated at this time. pic.twitter.com/NqVQlAHxHu
— Culé Source (@CuleSource) January 18, 2019
Carlos Vela began his career with Arsenal in 2005, where he came through the youth ranks. He spent seven years at club, during which he spent numerous loan spells, before finally joining Real Sociedad in 2012.
In 250 appearances for the La Liga side across all competitions, Vela scored 73 goals.
