Barcelona battle Manchester United for €5 million-rated South American teenage forward | OneFootball

FC Barcelona continue to scan the transfer market in search of a reliable forward to lead their attacking unit for the present and the future.

It is widely known that the club’s sporting department greatly admires Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, who is seen as the priority target this summer.

However, with finances likely to be an issue as well as Atleti’s reluctance to sell, the Blaugrana are exploring other, more cost-effective options as alternatives.

In this context, one of South America’s brightest prospects has emerged on the club’s radar, albeit as a player for the future.

Barcelona eye Juan Riquelme Angulo

Indeed, according to journalist Ben Jacons on United We Stand (h/t SPORT), Barcelona have set their sights on Juan Riquelme Angulo, the latest talent developed by Independiente del Valle.

Having just turned 18 in January, which makes him eligible to play in Europe, Angulo is considered one of the most promising young strikers in world football.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Independiente del Valle (@independientedelvalle)

Manchester United are also monitoring the Ecuadorian striker, but Barcelona believe they are currently in a stronger position to secure his signature.

Angulo is a physically imposing striker, standing at 1.93 metres, and combines his stature with agility, power, and a strong eye for goal. So far, the 18-year-old has made eight senior appearances for his club (149 minutes), scoring two goals.

Angulo currently has a market value of €350,000. However, given Independiente del Valle’s reputation for producing elite talents such as Moises Caicedo, Kendry Paez and Willian Pacho, as well as growing interest, the final transfer fee could rise to around €5 million.

Barcelona would view such an investment as strategic for the long term. While the primary ambition remains securing an established star such as Alvarez, the Blaugrana are equally attentive to emerging talent.

Whether a move materialises remains to be seen.