Hoffenheim admit talks underway for Barcelona-linked striker as departure looms | OneFootball

Barcelona’s search for attacking reinforcements continues to throw up names, and one long-standing target could be edging closer to a summer move.

Fisnik Asllani, the 23-year-old Hoffenheim striker who has been on Barcelona’s radar for months, appears increasingly likely to leave the German club after their sporting director openly admitted his exit is being considered.

Hoffenheim confirm the interest

Asllani is one of the hottest strikers in the Bundesliga right now. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Hoffenheim sporting director Andreas Schicker has acknowledged that Asllani is generating significant interest and that discussions with several suitors are already underway.

“We are in discussions with both domestic and international clubs. It’s no secret that Fisnik Asllani has a release clause,” Schicker stated (h/t Mundo Deportivo).

The comments, published by Kicker, have been widely interpreted in Germany as confirmation that Hoffenheim have effectively accepted their striker will depart.

Schicker also hinted that a resolution could be reached before the window closes, admitting the situation is completely open while acknowledging the interest the Kosovo international has attracted following his rapid progress.

Barcelona among the admirers

Alongside strong interest from Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona remain firmly in the picture. Indeed, the Catalans have long tracked Asllani as a potential attacking option, and the striker’s own preference could yet prove decisive.

Asllani has never hidden his affection for Barcelona, having grown up supporting the club and even recreated childhood photographs of himself in a Barcelona shirt.

Asllani is also on Borussia Dortmund’s radar. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Asllani has even paused his negotiations with Dortmund in the hope that Barcelona firm up their interest, despite the Bundesliga side having been prepared to trigger his release clause of around €30 million.

The Ferran Torres factor

Whether Barcelona move for Asllani is likely to hinge on the future of Ferran Torres.

As previously reported, Barcelona could sign another number nine alongside primary target Julian Alvarez should Ferran complete a move to PSG this summer.

Recent reports indicate Ferran is not too keen on extending his contract at Barcelona, thus potentially opening the door for a move to PSG.

Asllani is viewed as a younger, more developmental option in that scenario. But any deal will likely take time as Barcelona would have wait for the Ferran deal to get finalised.