FC Barcelona will enter the market for a new centre-back in the summer transfer window, with the plan being to recruit a left-footed player to make up for Inigo Martinez’s exit last summer.

The idea is to bring in a high-quality, proven performer who can make an immediate impact in the squad, leading to links with the likes of Josko Gvardiol of Manchester City and Alessandro Bastoni of Inter Milan.

However, now, another name appears to have popped up on the radars of the Catalans, one who would be much more affordable financially.

Barcelona lodge enquiry for Marcos Senesi

Indeed, according to Matteo Moretto, Barcelona are interested in AFC Bournemouth and Argentina centre-back Marcos Senesi and have made enquiries to learn about his situation.

Senesi, 28, has been at Bournemouth since 2022, having arrived from Feyenoord, and is an integral part of the Cherries’ setup.

However, the Argentine international’s contract with the Premier League team expires at the end of the season and he is expected to move on as a free agent in the summer, rather than leaving the club in January.

Barcelona keeping tabs on Senesi. (Photo by Leonardo Fernandez/Getty Images)

Barcelona, for one, are interested in him and have sounded out the player’s entourage to keep themselves informed about his situation.

More clubs interested

But the La Liga champions are one among several clubs tracking Senesi, with Atletico Madrid and Juventus also having asked about the 28-year-old defender.

A left-footed, ball-playing centre-back, Senesi does fit the profile of players Barcelona are looking for and his free agency makes him an enticing prospect.

The 28-year-old defender has played 16 Premier League matches this season for Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth, even registering three assists.

With his time in the Premier League coming to an end in the summer, it will be interesting to see whether he ends up moving to Catalonia.

*Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication.