The pros and cons of Barcelona signing Man City striker Aguero

Sergio Aguero has been strongly linked with Barcelona since Joan Laporta was elected as the Catalan club's new president last weekend.

Among other things, the signing of Aguero, who is out of contract this summer, could persuade Lionel Messi to sign a new deal at Camp Nou, too.

We analyse the pros and cons of making a move for the Argentina front man, one of Messi's closest friends in the game.

PROS

Free agent. Aguero wouldn't command a transfer fee, so would improve the squad without Barca having to spent. The team needs a No.9 and has done since the departure of Luis Suarez and he could be the short-term solution. A goal scorer who can also link play, he would increase the competition within the squad.

Convince Messi. The Barça captain has made it clear he doesn't decide who Barça sign. In no case does this point intend to insinuate that, but it's obvious that the arrival of 'Kun' would help convince the game's best player to stay. They get on well off the pitch and have always been close when with the Argentina national team. Leo would have a close friend in the squad again, someone he could share things with in confidence.

Top-level striker with La Liga experience. Aguero has played 649 games as a professional. He's scored 374 goals and set up 119. There are no doubts about his quality. In addition, he's played in the Spanish league before, with Atletico Madrid, prior to signing for Manchester City. He scored 100 goals in 230 games for Atletico. He's won a Europa League, a European Super Cup, four Premier League, the FA Cup, five League Cups and three Community Shields.

CONS

Signing bonus and salary. While no fee would be paid to City, that doesn't mean Aguero would arrive on the cheap. Barça would have to persuade him with a signing-on bonus and a suitable salary. And don't forget the club are currently trying to reduce the wage bill.

Fitness doubts. This season, Aguero's played just 331 minutes across 11 games. Injuries have marked what is likely to be his final season at the Etihad Stadium. Last weekend, despite being fit, he didn't feature in the Manchester derby. The state of his knee is also unknown in the medium-term.

Age. Aguero will be 33 in June and his signing would put the brakes on the process of rejuvenating the Barça squad, a process which started after Lisbon. Players like Ansu Fati (currently injured), Pedri, Ilaix Moriba, Araujo and Mingueza have all been given chances in the first team with fewer veterans blocking their path.

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