Mario Gomez and Robin van Persie have been touted as options for Barcelona as La Blaugrana continue to look for a new forward.
Gomez confirmed this week that due to the political unrest in Turkey he would not be making his loan spell at Besiktas into a permanent arrangement and has returned to Fiorentina, with AS suggesting he could be a solution for the Catalans.
The example of Henrik Larsson is cited as an out-and-out centre-forward who found success at Camp Nou and it’s argued that Gomez has experience of being that player in a possession-based team, as he has represented Bayern Munich and Germany.
Gomez also speaks fluent Spanish as his grandparents are from Granada, but a potential drawback would be his lack of versatility as he is only able to play as a genuine striker, and Barca want a forward who can offer options in the front three.
Sport meanwhile says Van Persie is a possibility and was offered to Barca in January, though Barca decided against pursuing his signature.
The former Arsenal and Manchester United forward is understood to be looking to leave Fenerbahce for the same reasons Gomez quit Besiktas and a return to the Premier League would be his preference, but it’s felt his high wages would put off suitors in England.
Fener would sell for around €10m but Van Persie would command a further €5m in wages when bonuses are taken into account.
Barca have though confirmed the desire to sign a fourth forward and admit to problems finding a player willing to be back-up to Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar, and Luis Enrique also spoke of desiring a quick player, a category to which Van Persie, 32, may not belong.