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Sergio Aguero wants Barcelona move – Koeman prefers Depay while Messi wants Aguero

Long-time Manchester City star Sergio Aguero is allegedly keen on moving to Barcelona this summer, but manager Ronald Koeman apparently prefers Memphis Depay, Marca reports. The seasoned Argentine striker will leave the Cityzens after a decade in service with his contract expiring this summer, and is heavily linked with a move to the LaLiga giants.

The 32-year-old is now reportedly open to joining the Blaugrana to play alongside his compatriot and close buddy, Lionel Messi. The only stick in the mud at this point seems to be coach Ronald Koeman, who seems not to consider Aguero his transfer priority, but favoring instead Memphis Depay, who was close to joining the club from Lyon last summer.

Like Aguero, Depay would be available on a free transfer with his contract expiring in June, and the Blaugrana believe he could be a low-cost option, with Koeman said to be leaning towards signing his Dutch compatriot over Aguero this summer due to the former’s age and better fitness levels.

Aguero’s 2020/21 campaign with the Cityzens was plagued by incessant injuries, coronavirus and competition for places, and managed to register only 14 appearances, which is an anomaly for the veteran campaigner. Camp Nou boss Koeman is probably also wary of the move as the striker may also command a significant signing-on fee.

Depay, almost five years younger than Aguero, appears better suited Koeman’s style, having donned national colors under him for the Netherlands. Additionally, Koeman was also pivotal in converting Depay from a left-winger into a genuine scoring striker.

However, although Depay, who is valued at €45 million by Transfermarkt, seems the more viable option, it is reported that Messi has implored the Camp Nou hierarchy to sign Aguero this summer.

And it is this move that could dictate the proceedings and the final outcome regarding the fate of both strikers.