Barcelona ‘make contact’ with representatives of Mexican forward Armando Gonzalez | OneFootball

Barcelona are in the market for a new striker as they prepare to part ways with Robert Lewandowski at the end of the season, and Mexican forward Armando Gonzalez has now been added to the mix.

ESPN reports that Barcelona have made contact with Gonzalez’s representatives. The 22-year-old, nicknamed La Hormiga, has scored 17 goals in 24 matches for Chivas, form that has drawn the La Liga leaders’ attention.

High-profile options such as Julian Alvarez and Harry Kane have been mentioned, yet big spending on a new number nine is far from certain, so lower-cost targets are under review.

Gonzalez is also on the radar elsewhere. CSKA Moscow are prepared to pay $20m, while West Ham United, Feyenoord and Celtic have been linked with summer moves for the Mexico international.

Barcelona must get this call right, with Lewandowski’s departure set to leave a sizeable gap despite his patchy form. An established name would be ideal, but it may be that an up-and-comer like Gonzalez is brought in to compete alongside Ferran Torres.

It remains to be seen who they prioritise in the summer window. Any deal is likely to be complicated by their financial issues, although these could ease before the season ends.

Source: Football Espana