Luciano Vietto set to join Barcelona for £18million despite scoring just one in La Liga last season
Argentinian striker will leave Atletico Madrid to play second-fiddle to MSN just one season after moving from Villarreal
BARCELONA are set to complete the signing of striker Luciano Vietto for £18million, despite only scoring ONE goal in La Liga last season, according to reports in Spain.
The 22-year-old Argentina ace will undergo a medical over the weekend and could officially become the Catalan club’s third signing of the summer by Monday.
claim a deal is in place and Vietto will complete his move from Atletico Madrid over the weekend.
Luis Enrique was in the market for a fourth striker to complete with the fearsome trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar.
Barca appeared to run out of steam when the trio endured a frustrating spell in early 2016, which culminated in elimination from the Champions League and a collapse in the title race which saw a nine-point gap disappear — before eventually clinching La Liga on the final day of the season.
Suarez and Neymar stepped up to the plate during Messi’s two-month absence through injury.
However, the lack of rest took its toll on trio — and the lack of an able deputy was evident.
Suarez had urged boss Enrique to sign Vietto earlier this month.
Vietto only moved to Atletico last summer for £17m from Villarreal.
He made 28 appearances and scored three goals.
He also has four caps for the Argentina Under-20s and has found the back of the net on two occasions.
Vietto will become Barca’s fourth high-profile signing since Euro 2016.
Enrique has already secured the services of Lucas Digne, Samuel Umtiti and Andre Gomes.