Barcelona and Real Madrid in battle for Argentine talent

Gianluca Prestianni of Velez

TRANSFERS Barcelona and Real Madrid in battle for Argentine talent

Faruq Ibrahim 18:31 - 15.01.2023

The rivals on and off the pitch are once again in contention for a South American talent.

Real Madrid and Barcelona are reported to be competing for the signing of Argentine teenager Gianluca Prestianni.

The Spanish giants are two of the most popular destinations for the best talents in football, and their interests have clashed from time to time.

This is one of those instances, as both teams are said to be bidding for Velez's Gianluca Prestianni, a 16-year-old winger.  

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Barcelona and Real Madrid want Prestianni

The eternal rivals rekindle the on-field part of their rivalry this Sunday at the Supercopa de Espana.

Marca reports they are busy off-field too, as both clubs have Gianluca Prestianni on their radar.

Gianluca Prestianni in action for Velez
Gianluca Prestianni in action for Velez

The two clubs have previously competed for talents who are now global superstars like Neymar Jr and  Vinicius Jr.

Why Barcelona and Real Madrid want Prestianni

Prestianni's debut for Velez at only 16 makes him the third youngest player to do so in the Argentine Primera Division. Only Diego Maradona and Sergio Kun Aguero have made their debuts quicker than young Prestianni.

Argentine youngster Gianluca Prestianni
Argentine youngster Gianluca Prestianni

Prestianni is a pacy and technical forward who is reported to have excellent leadership qualities.

He is also particularly enticing for the Spanish giants as he is eligible for an Italian passport in the summer, meaning he would not need to occupy a non-EU spot.

Recall that LaLiga teams are only allowed to have five players without a European Union nation passport in their squad and are only allowed to name three non-EU in a matchday squad.  

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