Barcelona are struggling financially and they will be looking to make bargain deals this summer.
Unless they can sell a valuable asset and raise significant funds, they will be unable to complete a big name transfer.
The Catalan giants, who lost the league title to rivals Real Madrid this season, are in desperate need of cash to complete their transfer business.
Real Betis attacker Ayoze Perez is being targeted by Barcelona in their search of a cheap attacking option.
According to Spanish outlet Diario AS, the former Newcastle United and Leicester City attacker is of major interest to Barcelona.
Perez has a release clause of just €4m in his contract and that has encouraged Barcelona to consider signing the player.
Perez’s versatility—he can play up front, out on the flank, or even in midfield when needed—is another reason why Barcelona are reportedly fond of him.
He’s undoubtedly had a successful season at Betis, forming a strong partnership with Isco, and there are even rumours that he may be added to Spain’s 2024 squad for the European Championship.
As per the report, Barcelona are not making a move for Perez right now, but his name has surfaced on sporting director Deco’s list of possible budget alternatives.
Perez flopped at Leicester City but was impressive at Newcastle
Five years have passed since Perez left the Magpies in 2019, after joining the club back in 2014.
After coming from CD Tenerife, he made 195 appearances, scoring 48 goals and dishing out 17 assists.
One of his final performances in a black and white shirt came when he scored a Premier League hat-trick against Southampton in April 2019 to avoid relegation.
He can be a useful signing for the Spanish giants and his signing will not have a huge affect on them financially.
Joining the Catalan club will revive Perez’s career at a Champions League playing club.