(From L to R) Robin van Persie, Lionel Messi, Neymar, & Luis Suárez. (Photo : Getty Images)
Recent rumors abound that former Arsenal and Manchester United striker Robin van Persie is being targeted by La Liga champions FC Barcelona as a depth insurance behind the team's attacking trio of Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Luis Suárez.
According to Daily Mail Online, the Camp Nou giants are eyeing van Persie in January "to act as back-up" for the three aforementioned elite scorers. As of the moment, manager Luis Enrique only has 20-year-olds Sandro Ramirez and Munir El Haddadi filling the spots of their more accomplished teammates when needed.
Barça's scoring and attacking depth had been seriously compromised this year since the departure of Pedro to Chelsea during the start of this season in August.
The season-ending ACL tear injury suffered by attacking midfielder Rafinha during the team's Champions League encounter with Roma in September further added to Enrique's roster woes.
And finally, Lionel Messi's recent torn internal collateral ligament in his left knee reportedly stirred the 45-year-old coach that the Catalonia residents really need some addition to the midfield and forward lineups if they are serious about successfully defending their domestic title this season.
However, SkySports recently reported that according to Spanish football authority Guillem Balague, Barça is "not interested" in acquiring van Persie because of his lackluster performances with his new team Fenerbahçe this season.
The Dutch forward started only five of nine games with the Turkish club this season and had managed to score just three times so far.
Balague revealed that the real target for Blaugrana is Celta Vigo striker Nolito, but a deal with Os Célticos may be too expensive for Enrique which would prompt him to look elsewhere for someone cheaper.
