Marcos Senesi's preferred club revealed as Bournemouth defender weighs up options ahead of free agency

Everton v Bournemouth - Premier League

The race for Bournemouth’s defensive lynchpin Marcos Senesi is reaching fever pitch as the Argentine international approaches the final months of his contract. While the Cherries have benefited from his rugged performances in the Premier League, the 28-year-old appears increasingly likely to seek a new challenge as a free agent this summer. With his contract set to expire, Senesi has become one of the most coveted cut-price options on the market, attracting interest from across Europe’s top five leagues.

Barcelona emerge as the dream destination

Among the long list of suitors, one club stands head and shoulders above the rest in the player's mind. Barcelona have reportedly moved into pole position, not just because of their stature, but because Senesi himself has identified the Catalan giants as his preferred destination. According to reports from TeamTalk, the allure of the Blaugrana is a huge lure for Senesi, and it would be ‘tough to ignore’ the opportunity to wear the famous shirt at Camp Nou should an official offer arrive.

The interest is reciprocal, as sporting director Deco and the Barcelona hierarchy look to bolster a backline that has looked fragile this season. Following the departure of Inigo Martinez, the squad lacks a natural left-footed specialist in central defence. While the club have dreamt of marquee signings like Alessandro Bastoni or Josko Gvardiol, the reality of their financial situation makes a free transfer for a proven Premier League performer like Senesi an extremely attractive proposition for the upcoming window.

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Cubarsi opens up on defensive struggles

The need for reinforcements has been highlighted by the inconsistent form of Barcelona’s current defensive pairings. Teenage sensation Pau Cubarsi has been a mainstay, but even he has admitted to the difficulties of adapting to different roles in a struggling side. Despite Cubarsi's individual promise, his partnership with Eric Garcia has failed to provide the necessary stability. This has prompted Deco to accelerate talks with Senesi’s representatives in a bid to increase their options. Barcelona are reportedly preparing a contract offer that the player's camp believes is the most intriguing proposal received so far. The club are desperate to find a more experienced partner for their young starlets, and Senesi’s aggressive style and ball-playing ability are seen as a perfect fit for the system.

A crowded field of European suitors

Barcelona are far from alone in their pursuit of the South American. In Spain, Atletico Madrid have expressed an interest in him as Diego Simeone looks to refresh an ageing defence. The prospect of joining a fellow countryman in Madrid is a factor, but Senesi seems focused on the Barca project for now. Meanwhile, the Italian contingent are also making moves, with Napoli and Juventus both entering the fray to bring the defender to Serie A next season.

Juventus, in particular, have been proactive in their approach. The Bianconeri have been in talks with his agents over a deal as they look to find value in the free agent market. With several clubs in Italy needing to balance their books, a player of Senesi’s pedigree available without a transfer fee has sparked a significant bidding war regarding signing-on bonuses and wage packages, though the lure of La Liga remains strong for the player.

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Premier League giants wait in the wings

While the Spanish and Italian giants battle it out, the most lucrative financial packages may still come from the Premier League. Tottenham, Everton, Aston Villa, Newcastle United, Sunderland and Chelsea have all expressed an interest in keeping the defender in England. Although Chelsea have not been in touch with his agents lately, the other English clubs remain attentive to his situation, knowing that his top-flight experience makes him a low-risk, high-reward signing for any side chasing European football.

For Barcelona, the clock is ticking. While they have the advantage of being the player's first choice, their habitual financial caution could prove risky. They may well wait until the summer to have a better idea of what resources they have to spend, and run the risk of Senesi taking his business elsewhere. If Deco does not pull the trigger on a formal agreement soon, one of the Premier League’s heavy hitters or a resurgent Juventus could easily swoop in to hijack the deal.